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The Inequality Debate

7th July 2015 · 7:00pm - 8:30pm

In person | Virtual event

 The Inequality Debate

Income inequality has been rising for 30 years. Executive pay is sky high, with the top 1% taking an ever increasing share of GDP while average real wages have fallen. Politicians on the left bemoan the ‘cost of living crisis’, others blame immigration and the EU for lower salaries. The consequences are wide-ranging, on poverty, health, a younger generation priced out of a disfigured housing market.

On 8 July George Osborne will announce his “emergency budget”, including £12bn of cuts to the welfare bill. But is a rapid reduction of the deficit the only way to bring stability and growth to the economy? And what impact will austerity measures have on opportunity, aspiration and social mobility?

On the eve of the budget, a panel, including the Observer’s Will Hutton, Owen Jones, and former Conservative MP David Willetts will debate the causes and consequences of rising inequality, and the way ahead for government.

More guests to be announced.

Running time 90 minutes.

Guests with a disability who require assistantance may bring a companion free of charge. To book a free companion ticket please email guardianlive.events@theguardian.com.

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