Universal basic income

Roll out UBI immediately and that will allow everyone in the country to avoid the worst of the financial fall -out from the government's actions regarding the virus.

Why the contribution is important

If we are going to continue with a lockdown which prevents people working we need to support everyone financially in the meantime. At the moment we are not and there are many who have lost their jobs as a result and have no way to pay bills.

by geraldwiley on May 05, 2020 at 05:28PM

Current Rating

Average rating: 4.5
Based on: 81 votes

Comments

  • Posted by eileencummings May 05, 2020 at 17:32

    This is an opportunity to redesign our economy in favour of addressing ever increasing in equalities. And........and follow more of the Nordic social democratic systems and culture.
  • Posted by Fenneke May 05, 2020 at 17:36

    I always thought a universal basic income would encourage a fairer society and especially now I think government should consider this.
  • Posted by Southsider4 May 05, 2020 at 17:38

    Could not agree more, especially taking into account the long term implications of this crisis where there are likely to be continuing job losses.
  • Posted by jwitford May 05, 2020 at 17:46

    Excellent
  • Posted by Dave May 05, 2020 at 17:54

    As much as I agree with this idea, I don't think the country has enough money to provide it - perhaps if all members of parliament, Scottish & UK + the lords took a pay-cut and got rid of expenses then that might help.
  • Posted by Ruth May 05, 2020 at 18:02

    Absolutely
  • Posted by Mia5386 May 05, 2020 at 18:12

    UBI would even out inequality and start a more progressive economy. This should be considered as a priority.
  • Posted by groot May 05, 2020 at 18:23

    I agree that UBI is an interesting concept, however it needs to be considered carefully. I saw one proposed for Scotland that suggested each adult received around £5200 a year, and children aound £2600. This proposal would lead to people having children they perhaps do not want in order to receive more money, and £5200 would be little help to the average adult considering the introduction of UBI would lead to the removal of benefits such as job seekers allowance. Perhaps reducing or removing the money for children and raising the money for adults would be in order.
  • Posted by Interfaithscotland May 05, 2020 at 18:31

    This would help to reduce current inequalities in some small measure
  • Posted by ChrisK May 05, 2020 at 18:35

    We were heading that way anyway, time to speed up the process. If we receive pushback from England, advertise it fully. The English Tory model does not work for Scotland and never has.
  • Posted by Hadenuff May 05, 2020 at 18:37

    Where will the money come for a Universal Income, and if it is universal then millionaires would get it as well!
  • Posted by Masarein May 05, 2020 at 20:17

    The current measures put in place leave too many people facing destitution. Worries about finances and uncertainty about the future are compounding the mental stresses of continued lockdown and the pandemic in general. I agree that UBI should be rolled out immediately, even if just on a temporary basis. It would improve the lives and mental health of so many citizens.
  • Posted by Tiltic May 05, 2020 at 20:42

    Universal Basic Income is a no brainer and should have been the first economic step taken when businesses were told to close down. Going forward I think this is the first step to creating a fairer society. It recognises the value of our citizens as people first rather than just as potential workers .
    Yes there are concerns that some will misuse the money but as with benefit fraud there are lots of ways that people with a lot more money use loopholes and tax schemes to benefit from taxpayers money why not trust the majority of our citizens for a change
  • Posted by mikecon May 05, 2020 at 22:46

    There is a chance to help here UBI might have come of its time . Maybe there may also be a chance for my Dad's favourite phrase (from his time on the Jarrow hunger march) "There needs to be a redistribution of the wealth of the world son" has come of its time. Well one can hope
  • Posted by Julie May 06, 2020 at 10:21

    There are many people who are falling through the cracks at the moment.

    People who have worked and paid tax as an individual for years and become unemployed but can’t claim anything as they have a spouse or partner who works are effectively left penniless in their own right. Where is the dignity in that?

    People who can’t currently meet the need to “actively seek” work as they are shielded.

    Depending on the decisions the government takes about who can and can’t get back to work more will be added to this list - those who are left behind and so probably become the first to be selected for any redundancy.

    Reading the many comments on these threads this is likely to be older workers and those with underlying health conditions, both groups already face blatant discrimination in the job market so will find it even more difficult to secure employment in the future.

  • Posted by picture1 May 06, 2020 at 11:44

    Opportunity here - if it's done well - to give a boost to so many peoples' mental health by scrapping the current benefits system. Give everyone that wants it UBI & let them live without stressing about claims & bills.
  • Posted by marcro May 06, 2020 at 15:38

    Strongly agreed. To the person saying millionaires would get it too - yes but it would be recouped in the tax they pay (especially if top tax rate is increased)
  • Posted by maryhar May 07, 2020 at 11:40

    It's an idea whose time has come. For those who get it but don't need it, the money can be clawed back in tax. Those who need it will spend it straightaway and stimulate demand. Those who abuse it will be small fry compared to those who presently abuse tax regulations. If there are more children born, that's good because Scotland is hugely in need of a younger population.
  • Posted by Zurburu May 08, 2020 at 09:11

    This provides the safety net we really need. I'm newly self employed (13 months) and now have no income. I don't qualify for any support because I have savings (my mum died two years ago leaving me a small inheritance). I definitely feel we are not all in this together at the moment.
  • Posted by Moragj May 08, 2020 at 09:57

    Fully support a proposal for UBI.
    Set a basic rate ( around 10 thousand per year would be my suggestion) and everyone over 18 has automatic entitlement.
    Place a cap for higher earnings at 50k same as child benefit but underlying entitlement remains.
    Only benefits then required would be for children and disabilities.
    It reduces and streamlines administration of benefits.
    It gives people security and dignity.
    It reduces poverty.
    It assists the economy as people will spend it and pay indirect taxes back on it.
  • Posted by Andy1510 May 08, 2020 at 10:58

    I fail to see how this suggestion would allow the country to ease any lockdown and cannot understand why this idea is being promoted on a site where the suggestions should be based primarily on medical grounds and stopping the spread of a virus. This topic should be discussed at a time when we are free of the virus (when that happens) and are in a better place to discuss economic measures. Unfortunately i cannot award zero stars.
  • Posted by argallan May 09, 2020 at 13:26

    Where is the justice in someone getting paid the same as a worker to do nought? There is no equality in this marxist utopian idea, but it appeals to the unfortunately increasing slothful worldview of modern western man - Hence why we have to fly in fruit pickers from abroad.
  • Posted by DebbieH May 09, 2020 at 15:23

    Great idea to go for UBI. Progressive and equitable. We need to see this idea out in the open and discussed by politicians, the media and everyone else.
  • Posted by HeyGeoS May 11, 2020 at 13:17

    There have been some pretty positive studies of UBI done in recent years - Quebec, Finland etc. It's not perfect, and every country would likely end up with a version looking different to another's.

    But, the complex, discriminatory (whether intended or not), and costly Universal Credit scheme could be done away with, whilst also be appealing to both Left and Right political leanings. It's a social scheme ensuring everyone is given an equal amount, but also would require less intervention from government to administer and prescribe to people what arbitrary means-testing hoops they must jump through to qualify.
  • Posted by lilo May 11, 2020 at 21:04

    Great idea. Let's support the vulnerable and provide a safety net. The lifting of lock down will widen the class gap which needs to be addressed urgently.
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