The Equality Trust has responded to the IFS’ Living Standards Report, which found that overall inequality is lower than in 2007/8, but that wide regional inequalities persist.

Dr. Wanda Wyporska, Executive Director of The Equality Trust, said: 

“It’s encouraging to see income inequality has fallen slightly since the recession, but this is no reason for complacency, there has been little movement since 2011/12. Research from the Resolution Foundation has shown that while the richest 1% quickly recovered from the recession, the rest of us have struggled. There is a worrying divide now between young and old, homeowners and renters, and different regions, that must be addressed.

“If we want a society where everyone has a fair chance we need a drastic rethink. That’s why we’re calling on the Government to introduce an Inequality Reduction Strategy and commit to comprehensive measures to build fairer tax and social security systems. We know that inequality hurts our society, slows our economy and robs our children of a better future, politicians cannot continue to bury their heads in the sand.” 

The Equality Trust is a registered charity that works to improve the quality of life in the UK by reducing economic inequality. UK income inequality is among the highest in the developed world and evidence shows that this results in poorer mental and physical health, higher violent crime, poorer educational outcomes and lower levels of trust. Inequality affects us all. For further comments or to arrange an interview, contact info@equalitytrust.org.uk