Brief introduction to UBI
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The document introduces Universal Basic Income (UBI) as a reform proposal for the tax benefit system, advocating for unconditional financial support for every individual. It highlights UBI's historical context, current pilot programs, and growing political support, while outlining challenges such as opposition from certain political parties and concerns from various advocacy groups. UBI is positioned as a potential solution to issues like poverty, automation, and climate change, although debates continue regarding its implementation and funding.
Brief introduction to UBI
- 1. Dr Simon Duffy | 7 July 2020 | Centre for Welfare Reform and UBI Lab Network Brief introduction to UBI for Hebden Bridge CLP
- 2. What is Universal Basic Income A proposal to reform the tax benefit system • EVERY INDIVIDUAL gets a basic income, ie. no dependency • NO MEANS-TESTING, i.e the poorest don’t have to pay higher taxes • NO CONDITIONS, no punishments, no sanctions • ENOUGH, to live on with dignity • PLUS additional payments for extra costs, e.g. disability
- 8. Potted history A global movement, gaining momentum • Dates back to ancient Athens and through to Wages for Housework • Advocates include Paine, Friedman, Martin Luther King and the Pope • Pilots beginning in 1960s, academic network (BIEN) formed in 1986, very positive outcomes, e.g. Finnish pilot: wellbeing, trust and days worked • Scottish government now seeks to carry out an ambitious pilot • UBI Lab Network began in North of England (currently 22 labs and growing) seeking pilots in NI, Wales and England and support from councils, mayors and devolved governments • Emergency and Recovery UBI proposals: better model than the desperate mixture of subsidies, furlough arrangements and use of Universal Credit
- 9. Challenges Where are we now • UBI is now the clear alternative to Universal Credit • Growing support in SNP, Lib Dems, Plaid Cymru and NI parties (Greens were pioneers) but Labour nervous and Tory government clearly opposed • Some countries now seriously considering, e.g. Spain, S Korea and economic crisis only just beginning • UBI is also seen as a tool to combat climate change (no-growth), automation and reducing poverty; but there critics in the existing poverty industry (e.g. JRF) and some groups fearful (e.g. DPAC) • Competing views on piloting, levels, implementation and funding strategies