Candidates’ backing for Universal Basic Income concept

MORE than 50 candidates from five political parties standing in May’s Senedd election have pledged to back a pilot project in Wales of the Universal Basic Income (UBI) concept.

UBI – which if developed on a national basis would see every citizen receive an unconditional regular payment from the state – has been hailed as a significant tool in the battle to end poverty.

It would provide a route out of the benefit trap under which claimants are penalised financially if they undertake paid work.

Critics, however, have argued that it would be very costly and would disincentivise some unemployed people from seeking a job.

In advance of the Senedd election, a group called UBI Lab Cymru has invited candidates to pledge support for a pilot project based on the idea in Wales.

So far, some 55 candidates representing Labour, Plaid Cymru, the Liberal Democrats, the Green Party and the proWelsh independence party Gwlad have signed up to a statement which reads: “The pandemic has shown that our welfare system is not fit for purpose. Millions of people have fallen through the gaps in the UK government’s support packages.

Families across Wales are facing poverty and hardship for the first time.

“After decades of underinvestment from Westminster, Wales is falling even further behind the rest of Britain. We can’t go on like this.

“We urgently need to strengthen our welfare system. The creation of UBI – a regular and unconditional cash payment to every person in Wales – could be a big part of the solution.

“A basic income would provide financial security for all, giving everyone the resources they need to thrive. It would transform our social security system with a scheme fit for the 21st century – one that would allow everyone to develop their talents.

“A basic income would allow the Senedd to build resilience into our communities.

“It would create the investment we need to transform our towns and cities.

“It would provide protection for everyone.

“It could be our generation’s NHS.

“Cities around the world, from Catalonia to California, are trying out UBI. Many have found that a guaranteed income allows their citizens to live happier, healthier and more secure lives.

“The Senedd has already passed a motion calling for a UBI pilot in Wales. Councils in Cardiff, Swansea and Rhondda Cynon Taf have asked to take a leading role, with more expected to follow. The Scottish Government has funded a world-leading feasibility study into UBI pilots, while the Future Generations Commissioner has launched a major study exploring what a Basic Income could look like in Wales. Now is the time to build on this momentum.”

“The current benefits system is failing the people of Wales. It’s time to test alternatives.

“As a Member of the Senedd, I will: support calls to pilot UBI in Wales; lobby Westminster for the devolved powers needed to pilot UBI; and work with other Senedd members to call for a new economic settlement, which includes trialling UBI.”

Among those to have signed the pledge are Presiding Officer and Plaid Cymru MS Elin Jones, fellow Plaid MSs Delyth Jewell, Helen Mary Jones and Leanne Wood; Labour MSs Mick Antoniw, Alun Davies, Mike Hedges and Rhianon Passmore; Welsh Liberal Democrats leader Jane Dodds and Welsh Green Party leader Anthony Slaughter.