UK plans to test universal basic income program

The United Kingdom plans to test a universal basic income program, worth £1,600 (R$9,965 at current prices). The purpose of the project, conceived by the organization think tank Autonomy, is to monitor participants and measure the effect on their physical and mental health in order to meet basic needs and combat poverty. The initial project should last 2 years.

Come on full of the project (15MB, in English).

In all, 30 people from the cities of Jarrow, in the northeast of the country, and East Finchley, in north London, will be drawn to receive the monthly benefit, regardless of whether they are unemployed or working. The idea is that 20% of the group is made up of people with disabilities.

The project’s initial budget is £1.12 million (R$7.17 million). The researchers from think tank Autonomy estimate that a further £500,000 (R$3.11 million) will be spent on research and assessments. However, the group still does not have investors and does not have a date to start.

In Wales, the government offers a project similar to the proposal in the United Kingdom: young people who have just completed 18 years of age receive 1,600 pounds. The difference, however, is that Autonomy intends to raise investment from the private sector.

The company’s Research director, Will Stronge, highlighted the importance of the initiative. “All the evidence shows that this would directly alleviate poverty and increase people’s well-being. The potential benefits are too great to ignore.”he stated.