An idea whose time has come. Best way of stopping the tories and Labour using the disabled and unemployed as a punch bag and eliminate poverty for good. Set at a decent level too - none of this £84 a week dole money garbage:
universal basic income of £1,600 a month is set to be trialled in England for first time under “exciting” plans drawn up by researchers.
Under the pilot programme 30 people in two areas would be paid an unconditional lump sum each month for two years, with the effects monitored to understand how it affects their lives.
Advocates of a basic income say the policy would provide security to people both in and out of work and eradicate poverty for good - while critics say it is expensive and that support should be targeted.
“A guaranteed Basic Income could be transformative for welfare in this country," said Will Stronge, director of research at the think-tank Autonomy, which is backing the plan.
“All the evidence shows that it would directly alleviate poverty and boost millions of people’s wellbeing: the potential benefits are just too large to ignore.
But as chancellor Rishi Sunak rejected calls, telling the Commons: “We’re not in favour of a universal basic income. I’d rather the money went to my wife dodging her tax"