WHAT impact is economic inequality having on our country and our town? That is the question at the heart of an event to be held later this month.

On the evening of Thursday, March 30, the baptist church in Gorse Hill will play host to economist and academic Stewart Lansley who is also the co-author of ‘Breadline Britain’ will be joined by the Bishop of Swindon, the Rt Rev Lee Rayfield.

The book tracks changes in deprivation levels and paints an alarming picture of the reality of poverty and its causes.

The Times described it as “hard hitting” and said the arguments it put forward were “difficult to disagree” with. The Independent said it was a book that all politicians should be made to read.

Stewart and Bishop Lee will explore an issue which Mr Stewart says is not receiving the attention it needs and deserves.

“The growing gap between the poorest and the richest in a society impacts everybody, not just those at the bottom,” he said.

“The effects are seen in terms of health and life expectancy, educational outcomes, alcohol and drug misuse, poor mental health and crime rates.

“Many people are surprised to find that the UK is more economically unequal than countries of a similar size and demographic; we are towards the wrong end of the league table of nations in relation to inequality.

“Every town and city in the UK experiences the challenges posed by inequality. Swindon has advantages and opportunities that are denied to many other parts of the UK but we also share these challenges.

“Spirit of Swindon has emerged from a gathering of people who want to raise consciousness of the impact of economic inequality and help Swindon to offer a lead to other towns and cities in the UK.

“There are a number of factors which make Swindon well placed to do this, not least the strength of our community life and the various businesses based here.”

In recent months, a new organisation has emerged in the form of Spirit of Swindon.

Those involved have been producing articles looking at the impact of inequality on the community and the ways in which individuals and groups might respond to the challenge it presents.

The event will also mark Spirit of Swindon’s formal launch during which Bishop Lee is expected to call on those in attendance to take whatever steps they can to reduce inequality in the town.

The event is expected to run from 7pm until 8.30pm. There is no cost to attend and no need to book in advance.