Autonomy, an England-based think tank, is proposing a two-year pilot program to trial a universal basic income (UBI) scheme for 30 people. Participants, who will receive £1,600 a month, will be chosen from central Jarrow, north-east England, and East Finchley, north London. The aim is to analyze how a regular, obligation-free income changes participants’ lives and to promote wider implementation of UBI.
  

Key Points: 

1. Autonomy’s proposed UBI trial involves paying participants £1,600 per month for two years, with no strings attached, aiming to study its effects on their lives.
2. Critics argue UBI could be prohibitively expensive, potentially diverting funds from other public services and not necessarily reducing poverty levels.
3. Proponents believe UBI can simplify the welfare system and effectively combat poverty.
4. The project’s total budget is around £1.65m, with an estimated £1.15m for the basic income payments and about £500,000 allocated for evaluation activities, administration, and community support.
5. If the UBI funding gets approved, it is likely to be sourced from private philanthropic contributions or local or combined authorities.

Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-65806599.amp