Income inequality in the UK
This briefing covers trends in income inequality, the impact of the rising cost of living, and inequality between regions, ethnic groups and disability status.

Licensing law enables people to object to a premises licence. However, objections can only be raised in relation to at least one of the licensing objectives, for example preventing crime and disorder.
The Licensing Act 2003 (as amended) applies to the sale of alcohol in England and Wales. The act has four licensing objectives:
Gov.uk gives a summary of how the licensing framework operates.
Under the act, a premises licence is usually required for the sale of alcohol. These are issued by the licensing authority in which a premises is situated.
Objections can be raised against an application for a new licence or a variation of an existing licence. It is also possible to trigger a review of an existing licence. The term used in the 2003 act, regulations, and associated guidance is not “objections” but “representations”. All representations must be relevant to at least one of the licensing objectives.
Home Office statutory guidance for licensing authorities(PDF)(February 2025) gives detailed information on premises licences, including on how objections can be made, how applications are decided, and the conditions that can be attached to licences:
The Licensing (Scotland) Act 2005 (as amended) is the main piece of legislation controlling the sale of alcohol in Scotland. The act has five licensing objectives:
The Scottish Government website gives information on Scottish licensing law.
Under the 2005 act, a premises licence is usually needed for the sale of alcohol. These are issued by the licensing board in which a premises is situated.
Chapter 8 of the Scottish Government’s guidance for licensing boards (PDF)(January 2023) gives information on premises licences and how objections can be raised.
This briefing covers trends in income inequality, the impact of the rising cost of living, and inequality between regions, ethnic groups and disability status.
An overview of policy relating to the closure of bank and building society branches and to efforts to protect access to cash.
A Westminster Hall debate on the persecution of Christians is scheduled for Tuesday 8 April 2025, from 9:30am to 11:00am. The debate will be led by Ruth Jones MP.