Simon Duffy “A Fair Income.”

PUBLISHER’S SUMMARY: In the final joint policy paper in our series with the University of Birmingham, Simon Duffy outlines the case for radical reform of the tax-benefit system. The current system is confusing and unfair, it locks the poor into poverty and imposes upon them the highest rates of tax. Instead we need to move to an integrated tax-benefit system, one that provides a guaranteed and reasonable level of income for all individuals and families. The paper proposes the creation of a system of Fair Income Security, a system that would have the following seven features:

  1. Integration of the current tax and benefits into one coherent system
  2. A consistent approach for benefits and taxation, more supportive of families, in all their forms
  3. The simplification of tax-benefit calculations into one set of questions
  4. A minimum income for all, delivered through a universal, non-means-tested, benefit
  5. Fair rates of taxation that remove the extreme disincentives for the poorest
  6. A constitutional right to a minimum guaranteed income and to fair taxes
  7. A public committee to shape the core entitlements, open to submission and scrutiny

Such a system would be fair, rational, economically sustainable, and would reflect the changing nature of modern society.

Simon Duffy “A Fair Income.The Centre for Welfare Reform (UK), 2011.

Simon Duffy and John Dalrymple, “Basic Income Security.”

ABSTRACT: The paper sets out a proposal for the reform of the income security system in an independent Scotland. It proposes the development of a system where all Scottish citizens would receive a minimum income – Basic Income Security. This is a working paper, we welcome comments, we will produce a final version in partnership with the Scottish Campaign for a Fair Society. In summary the paper argues for:

  1. Integration of tax and benefits
  2. Pro-family approach to tax and benefits, supporting families in all their forms
  3. Simplified tax and benefit calculations (into one set of questions)
  4. Security by means of universal, non-means-tested, entitlement
  5. Fair rates of taxation, removing extreme taxes on the poorest
  6. Human rights, embedded in a new constitution for Scotland
  7. Public committee to shape core entitlements, open to submission and scrutiny

Simon Duffy and John Dalrymple, “Basic Income Security.” The Centre for Welfare Reform (UK), 2013.

Basic Income North 2023 Conference

Basic Income North 2023 Conference

The Basic Income Society and How to Get There

1:15-4.15 PM, Thursday 20 July

Event link is here

Update July 12: We have changed our plans for the conference because of the rail strike on Thursday 20th July. We will postpone the in-person Basic Income North conference and instead have a Basic Income North symposium from 1.15pm to 4.15pm on the same day. This is to be followed by a series of 30-minute fortnightly ‘deep dive’ conversations with experts on different aspects of Basic Income later in the year. Speakers include Andy Burnham, Kate Pickett and others. More info can be found here and the schedule of the day:

UBI Lab Manchester and the RSA (Royal Society of Arts) North have been working hard to put together a fantastic programme for this year’s conference. Speakers who are joining us so far include:

  • Mayor Andy Burnham – mayor of Greater Manchester
  • Councillor Astrid Johnson – Leader of the Green Group on Manchester City Council
  • Professor Kate Pickett – author of The Spirit Level
  • Jonathan Williams – UBI Lab Wales, who has been involved in the Care Leavers’ BI Pilot
  • Dr Simon Duffy – Citizen Network
  • Caroline Richardson – Spartacus
  • Dr Elliot Johnson – Northumbria University
  • Maddy Radcliff – Musicians’ Union
  • Dr Dave Beck – Salford University
  • Laura Bannister- Equal Right

It will be a fascinating day looking at Basic Income and the climate, homelessness, ethical business, disability, the unions and more. The day will evolve from more theoretical discussions on UBI to how we can make it a reality. We will hear about the pilots both running and proposed in Wales, Ireland, Northern Ireland, Scotland and England.