Statistics Prove the Government Didn't Labour After All: Blair's the Criminal

Good evening. A fine evening to reflect on some statistics on income inequality in the UK, one would feel.

Findings in 'The Guardian' in May 2009 from the Department for Work and Pensions and the independent Institute for Fiscal Studies (IFS) have shown the darkest results that Labour could have wished for.

We all remember, back in 1997, Labour's mantra to end child poverty...well roll on the largest inequality of income difference since the modern records began in the early '60s (1961 as far as the IFS is concerned).

A lot has happened since Mr Blair won his third election in 2005. England have won the Ashes. Twice! The poorest 10% of households have seen their weekly incomes fall £9 to £147 (after inflation). On the other hand, the richest 10% of homes have seen a £45 increase to £1033 weekly. Now Mr Major, that's just not cricket!

The Gini Coefficient, from HBAI data, shows a rise steeply in Thatcher's government, and then a levelling off, even a small decrease under Major and then a steady creep up under Blair, and more recently, Gordon Brown. Thus suggesting the most unnatural of results - Major's government closed the gap greater than New Labour did. Interesting stuff.

The IFS has suggested the poverty increase in 2007-08 was due to weak income growth for the low paid. Right too, that the rise in inflation had eroded the real value of benefits and tax credits, naturally.

Labour's goal is falling like Bambi on ice it would seem, and with the chance of that man Dave Cameron taking charge, I would be surprised if things improved in the near future.

Over and out.

SB