In the lead up to Challenge Poverty Week (12-18 October 2026), we’re asking you to take action by writing to your local MP.

Inequality is a huge problem in the UK – more than 1 in 5 people in the UK are living in poverty, while the number of billionaires continues to rise. Inequality isn’t just bad for those experiencing poverty, it’s bad for everyone in an unequal society. According to research by Kate Pickett, Aini Gauhar, and Richard Wilkinson inequality:

• erodes social cohesion
• prejudices the chances of children and young people
• is a determinant of the health and wellbeing of our population
• is central to the climate crisis

We can change this, and the UK Government has committed to changing this – but we need your help to make sure it’s done properly.

Included in the Equality Act 2010 is a key tool to help tackle inequality and challenge poverty –the socio-economic duty. But since 2010 it hasn’t been brought into force. That could be about to change as the UK Government has committed to bringing it in during this parliament, but we are asking you to write to your MP to ensure that this is done in a way that makes the socio-economic duty as impactful as possible.

In a nutshell, the socio-economic duty requires public authorities to consider how the decisions they make can reduce inequality.

We’ve already seen public authorities across England adopt the socio-economic duty voluntarily, because they know it’s a useful tool to tackle inequality.

It’s already having an impact – Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service used the duty to remove the driving licence requirement for applicants, improving workforce diversity. Because of the duty, Salford City Council froze the cost of school meals during the cost-of-living crisis. In the North of Tyne Combined Authority, its voluntary adoption encouraged individuals from socially disadvantaged backgrounds to apply for internal senior roles. At Harborough Council, it led to the creation of a ‘Financial First Aid Kit.’