How universal basic income’s impact on people’s finances could transform the nation’s health

Universal basic income (UBI) is a radical but, we believe, feasible alternative to the existing, failing welfare system. It could reduce poverty to unprecedented levels, address inequality within and between regions, and massively improve the nation’s health

 
Future generations may look back at recent discussions about UBIs with the same confusion we feel when thinking of opposition to the NHS in the 1940s. The solutions Britain needs are just as far reaching as those implemented in 1945. Basic income is one such solution that could be as popular and transformative as the NHS

 
 In October 1936, 200 men marched from South Tyneside to London to protest against the poverty and unemployment in their town, Jarrow.

Nearly a century later, Jarrow is taking part in a small pilot scheme to test how universal basic income (UBI) could tackle financial insecurity and health inequalities – which continue to plague the town. Under the scheme, two groups – 15 people in Jarrow and another 15 in East Finchley, London, will receive £1,600 a month for two years.

This micropilot will produce new UK data on the impact of the basic income in these communities, particularly the stories and experiences of the people that participate. This can be used for further research on the effects of UBI on a larger scale in these communities. This will help show if there is a case for a national basic income, or at least more comprehensive UK trials.

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 Πηγή: theconversation.com