New Fabian research has found both good and bad news for the left in terms of public attitudes towards fairness and equality. There is strong support for progressive tax and benefits, particularly after the financial crisis. However, most intuitively feel that 'deserved' inequalities are fair and hold starkly negative views of those on low incomes.

The research was commissioned by the Joseph Rowntree Foundation, and is the basis for the Fabian Society book 'Is Equality Fair?' The book includes responses to the findings from Communities Minister John Denham, The Guardian's Zoe Williams and Kate Green of CPAG. Denham writes: "if we ever give up on the challenges of fairness and equality the centre left will have lost all meaning. The Fabian research on voter attitudes doesn't tell us to give up; it just asks us to think about how we move forward."

For more information about the research please visit the Joseph Rowntree Foundation.

Read Louise Bamfield's Fabian Essay which looks at attitudes pre and post Credit Crunch.