GINI Intermediate Report WP 6: Policy analysis

Introduction Attention to policy runs through the entire GINI project and the aim has been to produce policy relevant output in several ways. First, policy variables feature in the ‘drivers of inequality’ work package examining the factors behind changes in inequality. Second, the GINI research on income inequality, educational inequalities, social impacts and political/cultural impacts (i.e. within the other work packages) is to be developed to produce implications for policy. Third, the country reports cover policy changes and the implications thereof. Fourth, the final report will draw out the larger implications in a coherent way. As clearly stated in the project proposal, the “Policy” work package (WP6), focuses on a further set of specific policy issues which are very important to address in the context of the project and also in the context of current policy debates, particularly within the EU2020 framework. The new strategy includes seven flagship initiatives, including a European platform against poverty and social exclusion. According to the headline target for this flagship initiative, the Member States are committed to raise at least 20 million people from the risk of poverty and social exclusion by 2020. As we indicated from the start of the project, the principal focus would be on policies, particularly income policies, aimed at improving the plight of those least well off, as these are also focus of the Europe 2020 objectives, particularly with respect to social inclusion. Main points of focus (‘tasks’) were listed under the following headings. Task 6.1: Constraints imposed by rising economic inequality Task 6.2. Redistributing income and work The level and adequacy of minimum income protection packages Universalism vs. targeting in redistributive policies Incrementalism vs. innovation in minimum protection and redistribution Direct income support vs. activation and empowerment for economic self-reliance Task 6.3 Towards an integrated approach