What is fairness?
To build a fairer society, we need a definition of fairness that most people can get behind, and that brings together different ideas of what constitutes fairness. The Fair Necessities sets out our vision, based on five principles that attract majority support from Britons.
Fair essentials
Everyone should have their basic needs met so that no one lives in poverty, and everyone can play a constructive role in society
Fair opportunities
Everyone should have a decent chance to succeed in life, so we should remove the key barriers to equal opportunities
Fair rewards
Everyone’s hard work should be rewarded on the basis of their contribution to our society and economy
Fair exchange
Everyone should contribute to society by paying the taxes they owe, and in return be supported by society when they need it
Fair treatment
Everyone should be treated according to need, enjoying equal respect and equal influence on decisions made in their name
Why is fairness important?
The moral argument
A wide range of philosophical traditions emphasise the intrinsic importance of fairness, whether they focus on equal opportunities, equal outcomes, equal treatment or other concepts.
The political argument
The vast majority of people are concerned about unfairness and want a fairer society; fairness is overwhelmingly popular with voters of all political complexions and across all demographic groups.
The policy argument
Fairness underpins a strong and sustainable economy, as well as a healthy society. Societies with high levels of unfair inequality are less productive, efficient and cohesive. A lack of fairness is a threat to democracy.
How fair is the UK?
People are unable to afford the basics (food, energy, housing, childcare)
Success in life owes more to luck (such as whether you’re born into a wealthy family) than to effort
Hard work no longer guarantees a decent standard of living, as many jobs are poorly paid or insecure
Public services are crumbling while the wealthy aren’t paying their fair share of tax
Some people play by a completely different set of rules, due in part to the influence of money on politics
What are the causes and consequences of unfairness?
What are we doing to help build a fairer society?
Building and popularising a vision for a fairer society in Britain that can attract broad support
Making the political case for fairness by researching public attitudes to a wide range of fairness issues
Making the economic case for fairness and highlighting the most effective interventions to achieve it
This workstream is under development