One of the contenders for the leadership of the UK’s Liberal Democratic Party has edited a a book of policy ideas for the party: Build Back Better. Among those policies is a Basic Income:
Nothing could be more uncertain than what will happen as we emerge from coronavirus. People have lost their jobs or are uncertain if there’ll be jobs to go back to. There has been an exponential increase in food bank usage. A huge number of people are applying for Universal Credit – many for the first time – and are left waiting five weeks for their first payment, pushing them nearer and nearer the brink. This comes on top of the likelihood of a deep recession, with all the ensuing impact on our wellbeing and our hope for the future.
UBI is not a silver bullet; we would, for example, need a separate, properly funded system to ensure that everyone has a safe and secure home. What UBI does is turn on its head our idea of the value each of us hold. It starts us on a clear path to a more equal society. It’s a tipping point at which we can reshape our society and our economy for the better.
When I first heard about UBI, I was far from convinced. But I watched, I worried, I read and I changed my mind. (Cllr Rhys Taylor, pages 29-30
The group studying the desirability and feasibility of a Basic Income pilot project in Scotland has published its final report.
“PARTNERS involved in exploring the feasibility of a Citizens’ Basic Income (CBI) pilot in Scotland have completed the draft final report on their findings. The report concludes a CBI pilot is desirable, but recognises the significant challenges involved. … “
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The second in a series of zoomcasts has now been published.
Unprecendented unemployment figures in the United States of America in the wake of COVID-19 require a new type of response – Is Universal Basic Income the answer?
Karl Widerquist and Scott Santens speak to our anchors Louise Haagh (BIEN), Sarath Davala (INBI and BIEN) and Jamie Cooke (RSA & BIEN).
BIEN Conversations is a series of informal videos with thought leaders in the field of Basic Income and beyond. The aim of the Conversations series is to fill a gap in the coverage of Covid and basic income, by reflecting critically on both the opportunities and risks which this new context for the discussion about basic income creates.
The opinions of the anchors and guests are their own and do not reflect BIEN’s position.
