Have your say on intergenerational fairness

• Call for Evidence
• Send a written submission
• Select Committee on Intergenerational Fairness and Provision

Background

The Committee has been set up to investigate intergenerational fairness and provision, at a time when there is a perception that young people in the UK have fewer opportunities and economic benefits than previous generations. At the same time, society is ageing, and people are working longer and retiring later.

The Committee will focus on issues of intergenerational fairness and provision across four key policy areas: jobs and the workplace; housing; the role of communities; and taxation.

Today's Call for Evidence covers all four policy areas, with the Committee seeking views on whether the current intergenerational settlement is fair; how the experiences of different generations vary across housing, jobs and communities; and what needs to change to ensure fairness for all generations.

The inquiry

• Watch an introductory video by the Chairman

Lord True, Chairman of the Committee said:

“The concept of intergenerational fairness is attracting a lot of attention, and rightly so. We need to consider the burdens on different groups, and how they can be shared fairly. We are keen to consider the concept of fairness over the lifecycle – today's younger generation are tomorrow's older generation, and we are all affected in different ways by tax and spending across our lives.

“Is Government paying enough attention to intergenerational fairness? Is Government planning sufficiently long-term to take account of the impact of policy choices on different generations and over time? How will decisions today affect future generations?

“That is what we will consider as we look at four key areas: jobs and the workplace, housing, the role of communities; and taxation. I urge anyone with an interest in these areas to submit evidence to our inquiry. We are looking for innovative solutions to the challenges of our time, and we are seeking to engage with a wide range of people, of all ages, in doing so.”

 Areas of interest

• Is the intergenerational settlement in the UK currently fair? Which generations are better off or worse off, and in which ways?
• To what extent do generations have a better or worse experience of the labour market?
• What needs to change to enable longer and fuller working lives for all? What role should employers play in providing solutions? What role can technology play?
• To what extent is intergenerational fairness impaired by the UK housing market?
• In what ways could more active communities help redress imbalances between generations? Are there opportunities for more non-state provided solutions to the challenges faced by an ageing society?
• To what extent does the tax system take account of fairness between the generations?

Have your say online and follow us on Twitter @LordsIntergen.

Further information

• About Parliament: Select committees
• Visiting Parliament: Watch committees

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