The Equality Trust has responded to the IPPR’s report on economic justice, published today. The report noted the UK’s high levels of inequality and called for fairer taxation and redistribution of wealth. Dr. Wanda Wyporska, Executive Director of The Equality Trust, said:

“As this report shows the UK is one of the most unequal countries outside of the developing world. The majority of people are benefiting very little from an economic system that has perpetuated the grotesque levels of inequality damaging our society.

“Some of the IPPR’s proposals are just good common sense. A fairer tax system, with more effective taxation on wealth, and greater redistribution, will help to re-balance our economy and put more money into the pockets of those who are struggling. Similarly, measures to increase trade union membership and eliminate gender and ethnic pay gaps will also help to reduce inequality. 

“However, we’d like to see our political leaders go even further, and put inequality reduction at the heart of public policy making. We know more unequal countries like ours suffer from worse mental and physical health, poorer educational outcomes, and higher rates of violent crime. We need our politicians to develop an Inequality Reduction Strategy that prioritises building a fairer, more equal society, where we can all prosper.” 

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