This page sets out some of the key arguments about the causes and consequences of the gaps highlighted in this section (including why they are unfair). It is not intended to be comprehensive. Click on a box to read the supporting arguments from highlighted third-party reports.
What are the causes of unfair exchange?
The tax system could be designed to be more progressive
The tax system could be designed to be more progressive
There are still high levels of tax evasion and avoidance
There are still high levels of tax evasion and avoidance
What are the consequences of unfair exchange?
High levels of inequality lead to low levels of social mobility
High levels of inequality lead to low levels of social mobility
Disadvantage undermines people’s capabilities and opportunities
Disadvantage undermines people’s capabilities and opportunities
The structure of our economy leads to huge regional inequalities
The structure of our economy leads to huge regional inequalities
Socio-economic inequality leads to environmental inequality
Socio-economic inequality leads to environmental inequality
Socio-economic inequality leads to more crime and less effective criminal justice
Socio-economic inequality leads to more crime and less effective criminal justice
Socio-economic inequality leads to political inequality
Socio-economic inequality leads to political inequality
Socio-economic inequality leads to health inequalities
Socio-economic inequality leads to health inequalities
Higher levels of inequality make a wide range of social problems worse for everyone
Higher levels of inequality make a wide range of social problems worse for everyone
The best way to become wealthy is to be wealthy already
The best way to become wealthy is to be wealthy already
The rising costs of living hit poorer households harder
The rising costs of living hit poorer households harder
Wealth inequality is much larger than income inequality
Wealth inequality is much larger than income inequality
