A Sheffield-based activist is one of the authors of a new proposal for a universal basic income which includes additional allowances for those – such as disabled people – who face extra costs.
Basic Income Plus (or UBI+) would see a radical reform of the benefits system under which every single individual would get a secure and regular income without any sanctions or punishments, but people who for example live alone and can’t share some essential costs, have a disability that creates extra costs or are too ill to work will be paid a higher amount.
The proposal has been written by disability rights campaigner Caroline Richardson and Dr Simon Duffy, founder and director of the Sheffield-based Centre For Welfare Reform and the international coordinator of Citizen Network, a movement aiming to achieve citizenship for all.
It uses as its basis the Minimum Income Standards (MIS) set up by The Joseph Rowntree Foundation, an independent social change organisation working to solve UK poverty.
The proposal’s authors say: “There is a growing movement for basic income and the COVID crisis has shown people that the economy can’t provide the basic security we all need. But a basic income system on its own is not enough. Some people have more complex needs or face extra costs. In addition to the costs identified within the MIS we can also identify additional bolt-ons that would be available for long term illness, disability, and caring.”
To view the full proposal and take part in a very short survey click here .The authors are currently working on a more detailed paper with references to the latest research and would appreciate feedback from you.
To receive more information you can contact Simon Duffy by email at simon@centreforwelfarereform.org .
