This page contains a selection of third-party reports that provide evidence to support the argument above. It is not intended to be comprehensive. The sections of text below summarise relevant arguments from the reports cited. Click on the relevant report card to read the original report.
The levelling up ‘missions’ are not up to the task
The government’s levelling up white paper sets out a wide range of ways in which our economy leads to regional inequalities. However, of the 12 medium term levelling up ‘missions’ aimed at reducing regional inequalities by 2030, only four are clear, ambitious and have appropriate metrics to have a realistic chance of achieving their objectives. Five are insufficiently ambitious; three are unrealistically ambitious; four do not define success; two are too narrowly focused; and one is not aligned with the broader objective.
The economy needs to be restructured and made fairer
Our economy is too reliant on household debt and ever-rising property prices, and needs to transition from short-term and too narrow a focus on the finance sector to investment-led growth. It also has an unsustainable imbalance between imports and exports. Many sectors suffer from low productivity, low wages, and poor quality and insecure jobs; we need to move away from overly flexible labour markets and get better at adopting new technologies. Many sectors are also highly concentrated, so we need to embrace open markets.
Out of pocket: the places at the sharp end of the cost of living crisis
Out of pocket: the places at the sharp end of the cost of living crisis
Jul 14, 2022
The cost-of-living crisis has widened Britain's north-south divide
While every part of the country is feeling the effects of the increasing cost of living, some places are being hit more than others. Inflation is higher in poorer cities like Burnley, Blackburn and Blackpool, largely due to differences in energy and petrol consumption which are driven by different types of housing stock, different patterns of vehicle usage, and different levels of income.
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Benefits are falling in real terms
Benefits are falling in real terms
Children with special needs are not well enough supportedChildren with special needs are not well enough supported
Disadvantage undermines people’s capabilities and opportunitiesDisadvantage undermines people’s capabilities and opportunities
Genetic differences only play a small part in determining educational outcomesGenetic differences only play a small part in determining educational outcomes
High levels of inequality lead to low levels of social mobilityHigh levels of inequality lead to low levels of social mobility
Higher levels of inequality make a wide range of social problems worse for everyoneHigher levels of inequality make a wide range of social problems worse for everyone
Income inequality is high by historical and European standards Income inequality is high by historical and European standards
Levels of trust and social cohesion are lowLevels of trust and social cohesion are low
Levels of wellbeing are decliningLevels of wellbeing are declining
Many high earners are paid unreasonably large amounts of moneyMany high earners are paid unreasonably large amounts of money
Millions are unable to afford decent housing Millions are unable to afford decent housing
Parenting support only makes a small differenceParenting support only makes a small difference
People from poorer backgrounds are less likely to get to and do well at universityPeople from poorer backgrounds are less likely to get to and do well at university
People from poorer backgrounds do less well at schoolPeople from poorer backgrounds do less well at school
People from poorer backgrounds earn less moneyPeople from poorer backgrounds earn less money
Poor quality work undermines people’s physical and mental healthPoor quality work undermines people’s physical and mental health
Poorer people don’t have a buffer against economic shocksPoorer people don’t have a buffer against economic shocks
Public services are often worse in deprived areasPublic services are often worse in deprived areas
Socio-economic inequality leads to environmental inequalitySocio-economic inequality leads to environmental inequality
Socio-economic inequality leads to health inequalitiesSocio-economic inequality leads to health inequalities
Socio-economic inequality leads to more crime and less effective criminal justiceSocio-economic inequality leads to more crime and less effective criminal justice
Socio-economic inequality leads to political inequalitySocio-economic inequality leads to political inequality
The best way to become wealthy is to be wealthy alreadyThe best way to become wealthy is to be wealthy already
The education system can never totally compensate for disadvantageThe education system can never totally compensate for disadvantage
The nature of poverty is changingThe nature of poverty is changing
The rising costs of living hit poorer households harderThe rising costs of living hit poorer households harder
The structure of our economy leads to huge regional inequalitiesThe structure of our economy leads to huge regional inequalities
The tax system could be designed to be more progressiveThe tax system could be designed to be more progressive
There are still high levels of tax evasion and avoidanceThere are still high levels of tax evasion and avoidance
There is little relationship between merit and rewardThere is little relationship between merit and reward
Too many people are on low incomes and in insecure workToo many people are on low incomes and in insecure work
Wealth inequality is much larger than income inequalityWealth inequality is much larger than income inequality
Wealth is taxed at much lower rates than incomeWealth is taxed at much lower rates than income
