Inequality in Scotland: new perspectives

Abstract

This paper presents new evidence on inequality in Scotland. It begins by explaining why inequality is taking centre stage in both national and international debates at this time. It then presents a variety of evidence about inequality in Scotland. It uses data from large-scale surveys over the last three decades to identify key economic and social trends that have influenced inequality. It goes on to analyse the effectiveness of policies in Scotland that are intended to redistribute between rich and poor. These are largely concerned with taxes and welfare benefits, some of which will fall under the control of the Scottish Parliament in the near future. It goes on to discuss the redistributive effects of policies that have other objectives - such as mitigating the effect of climate change, managing the housing market etc. This analysis is particularly novel in a Scottish context.