government approaches to tackle inequality Flashcards
National Living Wage: point
One government approach to tackling socio-economic inequality is the national living wage.
The national living wage is the minimum yearly wage that employers are required to pay the workers aged 21 and over. This was implemented by the government, and is to make sure that workers have the sufficient enough wage to cope with the cost of living. The National Living Wage is currently £11.44 for workers 21 and over, the idea behind this is that if you’re in work you will be able to avoid poverty.
National Living Wage: Explain
The NLW is effective in tackling wealth inequality as it helps to raise the wages of low income families, reducing income inequality by ensuring a basic level of compensation. Furthermore, it has helped unemployed people to get jobs by incentivising them to work, overall reducing poverty.
National Living Wage: Example
For example, the Living Wage Institution found that people who benefited from the NLW were £2700 better off a year than if they had stayed on the NMW.
National Living Wage: Rebuttal
On the other hand, it has been argued thatthenational living wage (NLW)has been ineffective in reducing socio-economic inequality.The national living wage in the UK has been criticized for not being set at a level that adequately addresses the true cost of living, particularly in areas with higher living expenses. Additionally, factors such as rising housing costs and cuts to welfare benefits have undermined its effectiveness in alleviating poverty for some individuals and families.
National Living Wage: Explain (agsinst)
The NMW has been ineffective in tackling wealth inequality because it has failed to provide workers with the capital they need to cope with the cost of living, particularly in wealthier areas, further entrenching individuals in the poverty cycle. It also discriminates against younger workers, further exacerbating the wealth gap between young and old.
National Living Wage: Example (against)
For example, the JRF has highlighted that the UK poverty is around 22% which has changed little in the last 15 years. Considering this MLW/NLW policies have been around for over 20 years many would argue that they really are not effective enough.
Free School Meal: Point
One Government measure that has been effective in tackling socio-economic inequality is free school meals. In Scotland, the P1-5 Free School Meals Initiative ensures that all children in primary school years P1 to P5 receive free school meals, irrespective of their family’s financial circumstances.This initiative was introduced by the Scottish Government to address food insecurity among children and promote better nutrition and health outcomes.Universal provision of free school meals helps to eliminate the stigma associated with means-tested programmes.
Free School Meal: Explain
Free school meals have been effective in reducing inequality by helping to alleviate financial burdens on low-income families, ensuring children have access to nutritious meals regardless of their socioeconomic background. By providing this support, it helps level the playing field for all students, improving their health, well-being, and educational outcomes.
Free School Meal: Example
For example,in 2023, the uptakerate for free school meals in Scotlandincreased from 67% in 2022 to 70% in 2023, saving families around hundreds of pounds per year for each eligible child.
Free School Meal: Rebuttal
On the other hand, it has been argued thatfree school mealshave been ineffective in reducing socio-economic inequality.An issue with the Scottish Government’s policy is that means-testing for free school meals is introduced for children in secondary schools. Not only does this potentially disqualify low income families who need the support, the social stigma associated with free school meals may discourage students from applying or claiming their entitlements.
Free School Meal: Explain (against)
Free school meals may therefore have been ineffective in fully reducing inequality due to limitations in eligibility criteria and gaps in coverage, which may leave some disadvantaged children without access to this support. Additionally, other factors such as income inequality and housing instability can persistently impact children’s well-being and educational opportunities rendering the provision of free meals redundant at times.
Free School Meal: Example (against)
For example, just over 2 in 5 young people living in the most deprived areas achieve one or more Higher when leaving school (43.5%) compared to almost 4 in 5 young people living in the least deprived areas (79.3%), suggesting free school meals are failing to improve educational outcomes for young people from poor backgrounds.
MUP: Point
One Government measure that has been effective in tackling socio-economic inequality is Minimum Unit Alcohol Pricing (MUP).MUP in Scotland is a groundbreaking policy designed to tackle the harmful effects of excessive alcohol consumption. Implemented in May 2018, it establishes a minimum price per unit of alcohol sold, effectively targeting cheap, high-strength drinks favoured by heavy drinkers. This measure aims to reduce alcohol-related health issues and societal costs while promoting more responsible drinking habits among the population.
MUP: Explain
MUP has been effective in reducing inequality byincentivising individuals to reduce their alcohol consumption through increasing prices, thus contributing to improved health outcomes and narrowing the health gap between different socioeconomic groups.
MUP: Example
For example, there has been a reduction in alcohol sales of almost 4% in Scotland compared to England and Wales where sales rose and alcohol related deaths are down almost 13%. For a policy to only be in effect for 6years, such large decreases in harm are a positive indicator this world first may be quite effective.
