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.
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Key Points:Â
- 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.
- Critics argue UBI could be prohibitively expensive, potentially diverting funds from other public services and not necessarily reducing poverty levels.
- Proponents believe UBI can simplify the welfare system and effectively combat poverty.
- 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.
- If the UBI funding gets approved, it is likely to be sourced from private philanthropic contributions or local or combined authorities.
