Dr Summers on capital gains and widening inequality

6 November 2019

Andrew Summers-2016

Dr Andrew Summer’s research on capital gains, tax law and policy has helped shine a spotlight on widening inequality in the UK.

Presenting at a recent event with the Institute for Fiscal Studies, "Inequality and the very rich: what we know,"  Dr Summers showed how the capital gains received by those earning more than £100,000 have trebled in the UK since 2010 while equivalent income salaries have increased by just 20 per cent.

These findings challenge a common belief that the wealthy pay the highest rate of tax,  as capital gains are taxed at a much lower rate than income.

The research received coverage in both the Guardian and The Times.