The UK’s universal basic income trial

Thirty people in England will be given £1,600 a month to spend as they wish - whether they choose to work or not - in the country’s first trial of a universal basic income (UBI).

What’s a universal basic income?

It pretty much does what it says on the tin. “It’s a guaranteed income for everybody in society, designed to cover people’s basic needs and create a minimum income floor,” explained Sky News.

“The concept of a universal basic income is not a new one,” added The Times. “The current cost of living crisis, however, has led to more serious discussions about whether it should be implemented.”

How will the trial work?

In the small-scale pilot, run by think tank Autonomy, 30 participants will be monitored to understand the effect that the monthly lump sum has on their wellbeing. A control group, who will not be paid the basic income, will also be recruited.

Two places in England have been picked for the trial - central Jarrow in South Tyneside and East Finchley in London - and the participants will be randomly selected from a pool of volunteers, with 20% of the places allocated to people with disabilities.

What are the arguments for and against a UBI?

Advocates argue that it can provide a level of economic security to everyone. “With the decades ahead set to be full of economic shocks due to climate change and new forms of automation, basic income is going to be a crucial part of securing livelihoods in the future,” said Autonomy’s director of research.

But on the flip side, giving everyone a UBI is expensive. “Critics also argue it would de-incentivise people from working and direct money to people who don’t need it, diverting support from the most needy,” pointed out Sky News.

What’s the bigger picture?

Similar schemes are currently underway elsewhere. The Welsh government is trialling a basic income pilot of £1,280 for young people leaving care, and has said that it will report its findings once the trial has concluded.

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