Universal Basic Income

[PamDenick]

Hello all. This global situation is changing so many things, like WW2 did in its time.
Is now the time to consider Universal Basic Income? I really feel for all the small business owners etc who have slipped through the net but woul UBI have helped?
When the NHS was proposed many many were against it and it isn’t without its challenges but ultimately its for the greater good. Do we think UBI Coul do the same?

Some countries have tried this, I believe one of the Scandinavian countries
The people on the trial were provided with housing & a " wage"
The people didn't have to look for employment
Some started their own business

Seems like a good idea

Don't know about long term
Wouldn't everyone choose this lifestyle over working ?

I don’t think they would chose this over working, it would have to be less than a wage. I don’t know if it would include housing.

Has Ireland done this? Does anyone know?

www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-47169549

Isn’t universal credit the same thing except it’s on the basis of need? Considering how expensive it would be to give it to everyone how would you pay for it?

Universal credit has sanctions
If you are able to work, you are expected to job hunt

Not taking into account people with young children or I'll health

I agree OP. This TED talk is worth a listen if you haven't already:
www.ted.com/talks/rutger_bregman_poverty_isn_t_a_lack_of_character_it_s_a_lack_of_cash/up-next?language=en

In theory it's a good idea

Homeless should be housed

Small business should be run legitimately, not cash in hand & should pay tax if required

My concerns

Should the payment run for years or for a set time period ?

What about say someone who is 60 (any age), has worked & paid taxes all their life. How would they feel effectively supporting someone younger, fitter, healthier who is not working

Would it be taxed or tax free, NI contributions or credits. A lot of people are asking for it to replace universal credits which is tax free, and in a lot of cases NI credits are paid as part of that benefit considering the benefit cap for people with children in London is £442 a week that's £23,000 and people are saying they live in poverty on that, then you would have to pay a basic income of £28,000 which would be roughly the same with tax and NI taken off. If a UBI is paid in addition to benefits will the UBI as its an income be added to any benefits and taxed if over the tax threshold (like the state pension is if the pensioner has a job or a private pension ) or tax free even if both incomes takes a person over the tax threshold (like UC) TBH I have seen this a lot on benefit boards and its popular as people think it will be like benefits only you wont have to prove you need it, and wont have to do anything for it

Thanks for the link to the Ted talk, I’ll take a look.