The “mini-budget” will make the UK the most unequal country in Europe

The UK currently has the second highest income inequality of any OECD country in Europe. Only Bulgaria is more unequal.1 The government’s economic announcements made on Friday 23 September 2022 may be what is required to ensure that the UK now moves up to the unenviable top spot. This has implications for health because unequal countries tend to have worse health outcomes.2 Although there is debate about the causal mechanisms, the observed relationship is well known. In international comparisons, it is strongest for the youngest age groups who tend to be most affected by the most recent changes.3The changes announced on Friday included a tightening of the rules on universal credit “which will see benefit payments reduced if people do not fulfil job search commitments.” 4 This will make many already poorer families poorer still, increasing inequalities. Even before the announcements were made, benefit sanctions were being increased rapidly due…
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