What is universal basic income?
Universal basic income is a regular cash payment that the state would give to every adult, regardless of income or whether they work. It would be unconditional and usually the same for everyone. Supporters say it would end poverty and simplify benefits. Critics say it would be extremely expensive and could reduce work.
The idea has supporters on both left and right. Some see it as a way to end poverty and give people freedom to care, study or start a business. Others like it because it could replace complex means-tested benefits and remove the penalties people face when they earn more. Automation and AI have revived interest in it. It also has long roots in liberal thought.
No country has a full universal basic income, but there have been trials. Finland gave 2,000 unemployed people a monthly payment in 2017 and 2018. Wales launched a pilot in 2022 that gives young care leavers £1,600 a month before tax for two years. Results from such pilots often show better wellbeing, with small or mixed effects on work. Kenya hosts a long-term trial.
The main obstacle is cost. Paying every UK adult even a modest sum would cost hundreds of billions of pounds a year. That would require large tax rises or deep cuts to other spending. Many proposals therefore start with a partial basic income, or a payment for specific groups, before any national roll-out. Supporters say a basic income could also replace some existing benefits and tax allowances.
Many on the left support basic income as a way to end poverty and give workers security, though some prefer stronger public services.
Some on the right like basic income as a simpler welfare system, but most oppose its cost and worry it would discourage work.
Britain is split. Now you decide.
In WeDecide you can try to pass a universal basic income law in the Statute Book and see whether the sums add up.
Play WeDecide freeCommon questions
Has the UK tried universal basic income?
Wales has run a pilot for young care leavers, but there is no national scheme.
How much would universal basic income cost?
A meaningful payment for every adult would cost hundreds of billions of pounds a year.
Would people stop working?
Trials so far suggest only small effects on work, but no full national scheme has been tested.