Simon Duffy “A Fair Income.”

by | Jun 21, 2014 | Research

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.

AUDIO: Jian Ghomeshi, “Giving money directly to poor mothers: lessons from Brazil.”

by | Jun 20, 2014 | Research

Ten years ago, Brazil introduced a radical plan to fight poverty — give cash, every month, directly to mothers. It was self-consciously introduced as a first step toward phasing in an unconditional basic income. In audio segment, the CBC’s Jian Ghomeshi “speaks with Olga Khazan, associate editor for The Atlantic, about the program’s successes and shortcomings, and what it has meant in a country with a checkered history with women’s issues.”

Jian Ghomeshi, “Giving money directly to poor mothers: lessons from Brazil.” Q Blog: CBC Radio, June 10, 2014.

Grandmother Edelice dos Santos and mother Maria Cristina stand before their family in a government-subsized home in Aguas Lindas, Brazil. (Eraldo Peres/AP via CBC Radio)

Grandmother Edelice dos Santos and mother Maria Cristina stand before their family in a government-subsized home in Aguas Lindas, Brazil. (Eraldo Peres/AP via CBC Radio)

The Centre for Welfare Reform “Manifesto for a Fair Society.”

by | Jun 20, 2014 | Research

PUBLISHER’S SUMMARY: The cuts that are being imposed by central government in the United Kingdom are very unfair because they target the poor and disabled people. However it is not enough to fight the cuts, we also need to think what we are fighting for. The Manifesto for a Fair Society was developed to share 8 key ideas for a fairer society:

1. Human Rights – society and our welfare system needs to be founded upon our human rights.

2. Clear Entitlements – everyone must know what we are entitled to and how to control it.

3. Early Support – we must help each other avoid crises and family breakdown.

4. Equal Access – we need full and equal access to homes, jobs, communities and all opportunities.

5. Choice & Control – everyone should have the freedom to make their own choices and shape their own lives.

6. Fair Incomes – everyone must have the security of a decent minimum income.

7. Fair Taxes – everyone must make a fair contribution, without hidden taxes on the poorest.

8. Financial Reform – our systems must be sustainable and affordable for the future.

The Centre for Welfare Reform “Manifesto for a Fair Society” The Centre for Welfare Reform (UK), 2011.

Manifesto for a Fair Society -The Center for Welfare Reform

Manifesto for a Fair Society -The Center for Welfare Reform