The income distribution in the UK: a picture of advantage and disadvantage

Income is the most commonly used measure of material well-being. In a modern-day mixed economy, such as the UK, an individual’s money income is the preeminent measure of their command over resources. This chapter describes the UK income distribution and how it has evolved over the last 50 years. It also includes some comparisons with the income distributions of other rich countries. The chapter provides multiple perspectives on the distribution of income over time focus on both the top and the bottom of the distribution as well as the spread of incomes: there is evidence about real income levels and inequality, and the prevalence of affluence and of poverty