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The Inequality of Wealth: Why it Matters and How to Fix it

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The super-rich have never had it so good. But millions of us can't afford a home, an education or a pension. And unless we change course soon, the future will be worse. Much worse. Yet, it doesn't have to be like this.In this bold new book, former Treasury Minister, Liam Byrne, explains the fast-accelerating inequality of wealth; warns how it threatens our society, economy, and politics; shows where economics got it wrong - and lays out a path back to common sense, with five practical new ways to rebuild an old the wealth-owning democracy.Liam Byrne draws on conversations and debates with former prime ministers, presidents and policymakers around the world together with experts at the OECD, World Bank, and IMF to argue that, after twenty years of statistics and slogans, it's time for solutions that aren't just radical but plausible and achievable as well.The future won't be land of milk and honey but it could be a place where we live longer, happier healthier and wealthier lives. But only if we master new ways of sharing wealth without war or revolution.

324 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 11, 2024

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Liam Byrne

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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
Profile Image for Don.
667 reviews89 followers
April 25, 2024
The fight against inequality has become the rallying cry of the centre-left in Britain and the rest of the over-developed world in recent times. There are good reasons why that should be the case. The advance towards more equal societies in industrialised countries which marked the decades immediately after the second world war was halted in the 1970s and thrown into reverse from that date onwards.

For a long time the ideologues of neoliberal capitalism insisted that this was not something anyone needed to worry about. An absolute increase in inequality was not a problem in itself providing a ladder of opportunity existed which allowed the brightest and most hardworking of the have-nots to rise above the station they were born into. Complacency has allowed the conservative establishments of the wealthy nations to believe this was still the case, even when the evidence was increasingly demonstrating that this was not the case.

Liam Byrne has joined this debate with an intelligent book that reviews much of what has been argued about over growing inequality on recent times. He leads readers through the maze of economic analysis which point to the drivers of inequality in recent decades. The crucial point is that the growth in asset prices over the period 1970 to today - including housing and land, pension funds and trusts, and other things which generate rents for the holder – has far outstripped the value of income derived from earnings. The killer stat shows that, whilst wages have increased income thirty-six- fold over the last fifty years, increases in the price of the homes we live in have multiplied sixty-five-fold over the same period.

Assets generate their own forms of income, called rents, which economists tell us are an excess payment made for a good or service over and above the cost of its production. Asset owners receive rents simply because they own something, rather than worked to produce or improve it. In Britain today the bulk of rent-bearing assets are held by people who gain control over them in periods when the gap between income and property prices was much smaller. In the main these are the ‘baby-boomer’ generation, born after the war, who benefited from an economy offering full employment, affordable housing, and a welfare state providing free health and education to all.

The boomers got a further boost to their wealth in the 1980s when the right-to-buy policies of the Thatcher government, combined with the opportunity to cash in on the sell-off of publicly owned companies and mutual businesses meant further cash transfer to their accounts. The opportunity to transform these prizes into investments in buy-to-let property and well-padded pension schemes has sustained the wealth of this generation into their final years and leave a tidy pile to be picked up by their fortunate offspring when they finally shuffle off.

All this means that inequality is now locked in place by the famous equation that Thomas Piketty has exhaustively demonstrated – that the return on capital exceeds the rate of growth of the economy – meaning that the wealth of society is relentlessly transforming into the wealth of those lucky enough to own rent-bearing assets.

Byrne provides a highly readable version of the argument which sets out the need for measures which counter the grab for all the available wealth made by property owners. He calls for a ‘civic capitalism’ to replace the system currently in place, with the leading role being given to a ‘creative state’ geared up to producing well-paid jobs in the high tech and creative industries that are on the horizon. will be producing the well-paid jobs of the future. A chapter on company reform aims to curb the short-termism fostered by the mantra of hiked-up shareholder value being the sole legitimate objective of business. He calls for a right to ‘Universal Basic Capital’ as the cornerstone of modernised social security, riffing on the popularity of Universal Basic Income but preferring a lumpsum transfer of wealth between the generations rather than a regular income. And there is interest in the thorny issue of wealth tax in there as well, with a call for a ‘moral tax code’, which deal with the multiple exemptions of tax liabilities enjoyed by people with over £10 million in assets.

Byrne the ex-Blairite and now, presumably, Starmerite Labour politician places a lot of hope in the activism of millennial and Gen Z people as the force which will drive the reforms he advocates. I can certainly recommend that they read this book, but asking for confidence to be placed in the instinctively small ‘c’ conservatism of the present-day Labour party to achieve these ends is something that many will shy away from.
Profile Image for Corin Ashwell.
23 reviews
November 17, 2024
I'm giving this a 4 generously. It's more like a 3.5 but I approve of any attempt to get people reading about economic inequality, so.

In terms of being a good read, it's more like a 3. Liam Byrne has a fairly easy style and has decided to construct his chapters with a bit of an easy-going intro such as some anecdote from his working life, or some tidbit from economic theory or history more generally. However, as others have said, the editing is a bit lacking, there are some typos scattered around and a few sentences that don't make sense.

Of course the main point of a non-fiction like this is to advance an argument. Byrne does a fairly good job of explaining the current state of widening wealth inequality particularly in the UK and with some reference to the rest of the developed world. His examples of the extremes of wealth & conspicuous consumption of the super-rich are vivid and telling. I'd say he's less good and laying out the plight of those at the other end of the scale, the gig workers, long-term sick and downright impoverished.

Having laid out the state of inequality, however, I was disappointed in the relative mildness of his prescription for change. Byrne exhorts the virtues of growth in an economy like the UK, but the benefits of growth are notorious for being unevenly spread. In itself growth won't reduce inequality. His major demand is a wealth tax, but he seems too awestruck by the complexities of implementing such a scheme. My reaction to the description of how much the super-wealthy have grown their wealth over recent years is closer to demanding internment camps for billionaires rather than some tweaks to their tax status! Obviously from a centrist political perspective a wealth tax is the best general route to reducing wealth inequality. More of the book should have been devoted precisely to how this could best be implemented.

I think the real problem is that the Labour Party centrists haven't got past Peter Mandleson's notorious defence of the wealthy. They are still star-struck by them, still convinced some kind of trickledown can patch public services and reduce the gap between the rich and the poor.

Unfortunately we're well beyond this. The elephant in the room is that the super-rich have spent the last few years politically ensuring their wealth cannot be redistributed by attacking any framework for the kind of global governance that could achieve this goal. They foment nationalisms and separatisms to stop people banding together internationally. They undermine and demolish transnational institutions such as the EU or United Nations to sabotage these federations. The rich are on the attack, and what Byrne's book fails to do, by and large, is return the assault to them.

We need popular and powerful solutions to redistribute wealth and resources in order to tackle inequality, urgently and with a force & strength sadly lacking in this and most other progressive centrist manifestos today. Byrne's book is a good & useful one but not enough to fill this purpose.
60 reviews
October 16, 2025
I found it difficult to get into this, but persevered and enjoyed it. A similar tale to Bernie Sanders, with a tad more economic history added in. As I said, capitalism is something we should all be worried about, the power few will hold in the coming years is scary.
Profile Image for Daniel Clemence.
443 reviews
March 23, 2025
The Inequality of Wealth: Why it Matters and How to Fix it" by Liam Byrne is a comprehensive exploration of the growing wealth disparity in modern society. Byrne, a former Treasury Minister, delves into the historical and contemporary factors that have contributed to this inequality, emphasizing its detrimental effects on society, the economy, and politics.

The book is divided into three sections. Part I looks over the issues caused by the level of wealth inequality, specifically looking at the social harms that are created by inequality specifically tying this to affluence. Part II investigates the causes of wealth inequality and how wealth inequality became as extreme as this. Part III focuses on how wealth inequality is improved with a theme of people being the focus.

The book argues that the widening wealth gap is not merely an economic issue but a profound social and political challenge. Byrne contends that the current system, which he terms an "inheritocracy," favours the ultra-wealthy, exacerbating social inequalities and undermining the well-being of millions who struggle to afford basic necessities like housing, education, and pensions. Byrne draws on his extensive experience and conversations with global leaders and experts to propose practical solutions. He advocates for a "wealth-owning democracy," suggesting five actionable steps to rebalance wealth distribution and foster a more equitable society. These solutions aim to elevate living standards and opportunities for the broader population, moving beyond mere slogans to implement achievable reforms.
Liam Byrne's "The Inequality of Wealth: Why it Matters and How to Fix it" is a timely and incisive examination of one of the most pressing issues of our era. Byrne, with his extensive background in politics and economics, provides a meticulous analysis of the causes and consequences of wealth inequality, offering a compelling argument for why this issue demands urgent attention.

The book begins by outlining the stark reality of wealth disparity in the UK and beyond. Byrne illustrates how the richest segments of society have amassed unprecedented wealth, while millions struggle with basic necessities. This inequality, he argues, is not just an economic concern but a social and political one, threatening the very fabric of our societies.

Byrne's strength lies in his ability to weave historical context with contemporary data, providing a comprehensive view of how we arrived at this juncture. He traces the roots of wealth inequality back through centuries of British capitalism, highlighting the policies and practices that have exacerbated the divide. This historical perspective is crucial in understanding the systemic nature of the problem and the need for structural reforms.

One of the book's most compelling sections is Byrne's critique of current economic theories and practices. He argues that traditional economic models have failed to address the root causes of inequality and, in many cases, have contributed to its growth. Byrne calls for a paradigm shift, advocating for a "wealth-owning democracy" where wealth is more equitably distributed. The heart of the book lies in Byrne's proposed solutions. He outlines five practical steps to rebuild a more equitable society. These include boosting wages, implementing an annual wealth tax, and fostering institutional reforms that promote broader wealth ownership. Byrne's proposals are grounded in extensive research and conversations with global leaders and experts, lending them a sense of feasibility and urgency.

Byrne's writing is engaging and accessible, making complex economic concepts understandable to a broad audience. He balances statistical evidence with personal anecdotes and insights from his political career, creating a narrative that is both informative and compelling. One of the criticisms I have is that he mentions nothing on land-value tax. This is a shame, given how much British wealth (around £6.4 trillion) is stored in land value and given that 10000 individuals hold around 50 percent of the land, it would be an effective way of holding a balanced tax policy and taxing the wealthy.

In conclusion, "The Inequality of Wealth" is a must-read for anyone concerned about the future of our societies. Byrne's insights and proposals provide a much-needed framework for addressing one of the most critical challenges of our time. His book serves as a call to action, reminding us that a more equitable future is within our reach if we have the courage and determination to pursue it.
Profile Image for Sarah.
301 reviews9 followers
October 18, 2024
A very interesting set of essays about inequality; how it has developed in the UK, and what we can do about it.
Yes, there are some typos and some clumsy expression in it, but overall it explains very clearly how the author believes the government could set about making society a fairer place. The first half of the book is deeply depressing, but the second half offers hope for the future.
I think it’s an important book for anyone who wants a simple introduction to how the wealth of the country is divided and how it is that the rich keep getting richer.
I bought my copy at House of Books and Friends in Manchester. A great bookshop and social enterprise.
Profile Image for Julia.
13 reviews
April 11, 2024
I found this to be an incredibly hard read due to the quality of writing. Very poor. Liam also seems to lack some strong critical thinking skills.

Riddled with typos.
Profile Image for Leftbanker.
997 reviews467 followers
June 17, 2025
I had a lot of problems with this book, but those don't matter. Think of this as a primer for what is wrong with the world we live in. The good news is that it's an easy fix. We need to overhaul out tax systems and reel in the richest people who are ruining the planet. It's that simple. Whether we have the political will to do it is another thing entirely.

“…but in my view, Gen Z is amazing. If anyone can rebuild Britain, they can. They have got guts and grit. They are curious, creative and connected. They understand the twenty-first century like no-one else. And right now, what they need is a little help from politicians who want to back them, not attack them.”

This guy goes on and on about how great Gen Z is and how they are bound to save the world. I have news: greatness is individual, not generational. Most of the Gen Zs I see are half-witted loads who stare at their phones twenty-four hours a day.

This is perhaps a good primer for people who have never considered how much damage the hyper-rich are doing to society, but I’ve been moaning about this since the Reagan tax cuts in 1981. The good news is that this is an easy problem to fix with fairer taxation. The problem is having the will to do it. His precious Gen Z loads had horrible turn out and way to many voted for Mar a Lardo, so thanks for nothing, kids.
Profile Image for Kushal.
73 reviews5 followers
July 7, 2025
Honestly I did not expect to find value and in fact nuggets of golden common sense in a book by a politician.

Well researched and balanced, Liam lays out the economic challenge of our times. Some countries have “arrived” - we have endless capital assets; but it’s hoarded by those with wealth and does not “trickle down” or create employment.

Instead, capital city property prices are exponentially scaling but salaries are not.

How can the UK build a future without balancing this skew?
Profile Image for Naomi.
1,100 reviews6 followers
December 10, 2024
3.5
There were some editing issues in this which I've chosen to ignore because the central text and theme is important.

I liked the easy style of writing, whilst still getting into the heart of the challenges wealth inequality brings. The solutions were interesting and well articulated. Let's just hope some of them get enacted sometime!
Profile Image for Rhys Evans.
26 reviews
June 11, 2025
Solid arguments for his viewpoints and subsequent suggestions for fixes imo. Nice to read a non-fiction book I have a lot of interest in and actually was a page turner for me!!
Profile Image for Ashley Y.
141 reviews2 followers
March 1, 2025
I’ll write a review on this now for my personal records.

I read this because I was in a dark place and my friend Bryant had checked this out from the WH Library — he brought it to me and the title immediately spoke to me.

This was a really comprehensive book that covered British economic policy, reasons for rising inequality (capitalism, globalization, lobbying), the psychology of the rich (the sun god comment really stood out to me, also the function of trusts), and perhaps most importantly, his beliefs in how to establish less wealth disparity. He mainly names factors such as Universal Basic Capital — my friend and I had a tiff about this — and different programs the government can institute such as payment programs, pension and social security programs, etc.

I read this over a month ago, so forgetting some of the details. I thought this book was a really gripping account by the Labour Party’s Secretary of the Treasury. He also represents the poorest neighborhood in the UK, Birmingham Hodge Hill. You can tell he is very intelligent, empathetic, and focused not just on the problem but also on the solution, which I do wish he articulated maybe a bit more clearly.

Not sure why the reviews aren’t higher, perhaps because it heavily politicizes economics? It definitely helped me build a strong foundation for my understanding of how government economists and private companies works, which I am trying to learn more about.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews

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