Former Tory adviser Samantha Callan and ex-Labour aide Gavin Kelly give their verdict in the Guardian on whether George Osborne is tackling inequality or has inadvertently revealed how far he has yet to go.

‘The gender pay gap persists and has a major impact on living standards. However, over the past 20 years or so, far more of the growth in the household income of low- to middle-income families has come from women’s employment than men’s. Recently, that long-term rise in female participation has faltered. And if we compare the UK’s record to the best performers in Europe, it suggests that a million women are missing from our jobs market. Closing that gap over the next 10 years represents a rare opportunity to spread prosperity.’

Read the full feature here.

As Budget 2012 announcements are taking place in the House of Commons today, women’s groups call for a feminist budget.

Read the article in full on the Women’s Views on News website.

‘The Women’s Budget Group said in their briefing released last week that Plan A has failed and it’s time for ‘Plan F’, a feminist plan for economic recovery.

The charity campaigning for equality between women and men, the Fawcett Society, also released a briefing on Monday condemning the impact of the Chancellor’s austerity measure on women and calling for greater equality.

The Chancellor George Osborne is making his 2012 budget announcement today amid speculation that he will seek to cut child benefit for those who pay the 40p tax rate and reduce the 50% rate of income tax for the highest earners.

The Women’s Budget Group budget briefing argues the Chancellor must maintain the 50% tax rate and tighten tax loopholes. This will provide billion-pound savings, and introduce a financial transactions tax that can help subsidise social and child care.’