Basic income not all bad

Sir, – A universal basic income (UBI) is the latest target of your correspondent John Cameron’s opinion.

Unfortunately, Dr Cameron’s turning of a blind eye to the peerreviewed science on other issues means I would be sceptical of his opinions.

He says that a country that didn’t give women the vote until 1971 voted against UBI.

His point there is what?

He is probably right in saying UBI: “would be a major shift in how our economy works”.

However, looking at evidence, rather than prejudice, would lead me

to the opinion that our economy could be more productive with UBI.

He calls it a bad idea, apparently based on his belief it has been “dreamt up by the utopian left”.

This neglects its history with libertarian, free market thinkers.

The evidence of trials is, if anything, an increase in selfimprovement and entrepreneurial activity.

The idea it is, as he claims, extremely expensive, is actually fairly nonsensical.

In itself it neither creates nor destroys money.

Its administration would be cheaper, and much less intrusive, than the current system.

Actually, the average (mean) person would take home the same income they do now.

We support universal health and education systems so why the prejudice against a basic income? Gordon Pay. Eden Park, Cupar.