A brighter shade of grey? The current outlook for living standards

The last parliament was truly awful for growth in household living standards. The combination of the pandemic and cost-of-living crisis left the country on course for the worst parliament for disposable income growth since the early 1950s. But while the possibility of future growth remains, it currently looks set to fall a long way short of the levels Britain experienced in the 1980s, 1990s and early 2000s.

What is the overall outlook for living standards over the parliament? From real wages, to employment, housing costs and tax and benefit changes, what is driving the outlook for disposable income growth? Which groups are most likely to receiving a living standards windfall, and who’s most at risk of further stagnation? And what can the new Government do to ‘beat the forecasts’ and secure strong living standards growth across Britain?

The Resolution Foundation is hosting an in-person and interactive webinar to debate and answer these questions. Following a presentation of the key highlights from its 2024 Living Standards Outlook, we will hear from leading experts on what might happen to disposable incomes over the parliament, and how policy can shape and improve the outlook.

The event will be open for people to physically attend, alongside being broadcast via YouTube and the Resolution Foundation website. Viewers will be able to submit questions to the panel before and during the event via Slido.

Speakers:
Sonia Sodha, Chief leader writer and columnist, the Observer
Alex Clegg, Economist at the Resolution Foundation
Clare Moriarty, Chief Executive of Citizens Advice
Mike Brewer, Interim Chief Executive of the Resolution Foundation (Chair)