Universal basic income trialled in England for two years

Published by PSW Magazine, 9 June 2023

A new pilot in two locations in England will see 30 people given a universal basic income of £1,600 a month, without any conditions.

The trial is being run to find out the effect a regular basic income has on the lives of those who take part.

A control group will be recruited to track the experiences of those not paid the sum during the same period. 

Jarrow, in north-east England, and East Finchley, in north London were selected as the areas for the pilot. Similar pilots are already underway in Wales, where the devolved government is running a scheme paying the same amount for the same time period to young people leaving care.

In 2020, more than 170 MPs and peers backed the principle of a universal basic income during the Coronavirus pandemic.

Now a pilot is underway in England, supporters hope to see concrete results from the scheme.

Will Stronge, director of research at the thinktank Autonomy, which is backing the plan, said of the £1,600 figure: “This is a substantial amount. Universal basic income usually covers people’s basic needs but we want to see what effect this unconditional lump sum has on people’s mental and physical health, whether they choose to work or not.

“Our society is going to require some form of basic income in the coming years, given the tumult of climate change, tech disruption and industrial transition that lies ahead. This is why building the evidence base and public engagement now is so important, so the ground is well prepared for national implementation.”