Fourth Yorkshire city set to push for trial of universal basic income

YORK could be set to become the fourth Yorkshire city to call for pilots of universal basic income ( UBI).

Green Party councillors, who share control of York Council with the Liberal Democrats, submitted a motion supporting a trial of basic income at a meeting in March but it was never held because of the Covid- 19 crisis, which has halted full council meetings until now.

However, a meeting being held today is expected to pass a Lib Dem- sponsored motion calling on the Government to support a UBI trial.

This would make York the tenth council in the UK to make the call, but the Government has so far rejected the idea.

Last week, when asked by the SNP’s Patrick Grady ( Glasgow North) why the Government would not introduce UBI, Chancellor Rishi Sunak replied: “We on this side of the House don’t agree with the universal basic income.

“It wouldn’t be right to provide money to millions of people who have absolutely no need of it – that would just detract our resources from being targeted on those who are in most need. And that is what our approach has done throughout this crisis.

“But, with regard to Universal Credit and welfare, we on this side of the House believe the best way to help people is to provide them with work and opportunity, which is why all our efforts are targeted on providing that support to protect as many jobs as possible – whilst recognising that we will not be able to protect every single job.”

The Lib Dems agreed at their conference last month that the party would campaign for a UBI to be paid to all long- term UK residents.

Nine councils in England, Wales and Northern Ireland have already passed motions calling for trials of the idea, where everyone would receive a guaranteed, regular payment.