Diamonds inside the M25; hard times outside

Widening levels of income distribution have led to increased anger, according to a poll carried out for the Guardian by ICM. The articles linked to below look at this issue from a range of perspectives and using a series of regional case studies.

Anger at gap between rich and poor – ICM poll Guardian (20/2/08)
Diamonds for rich inside M25; hard times for the rest Guardian (21/1/08)
What the Romans did for us: introduce a North-South divide Guardian (21/1/08)
Where Burberry, Bentleys and bling prevail Guardian (21/1/08)
Dark reality hidden behind the picturesque scenery Guardian (21/1/08)
Mills and mail order: end of Empire marks another stage of decline Guardian (21/1/08)
Mind the gap Guardian (21/1/08)

Questions

1. Define the terms ‘Lorenz curve’ and Gini coefficient’.
2. Using diagrams as appropriate show the changes that have taken place in income distribution in the UK in the past decade.
3. Assess the principal causes of the growing North-South divide.
4. Evaluate two policy options available to the government to reduce the widening gap in income distribution.