Universal Basic Income 2020-12-01
2020-12-01
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
Discussions around the potential merits of introducing a universal basic income to support economic recovery following the COVID-19 outbreak.
Whether he has had discussions with Cabinet colleagues on the potential merits of introducing a universal basic income to support economic recovery following the covid-19 outbreak.
We have supported those on the lowest incomes throughout this crisis by investing more than £7 billion in the welfare system, and we are focused on helping people to get into work by making up to £30 billion available through our plans for jobs.
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Assessment & feedback
The Chancellor did not address whether there have been discussions about a universal basic income.
Focused On Other Welfare Measures
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
Councils across the UK have requested support for basic-income pilots to assess their potential benefits and drawbacks. A letter signed by over 500 elected politicians was sent to the Chancellor requesting such support.
Councils throughout England, Wales, Northern Ireland and Scotland have asked for support to run basic-income pilots, designed to increase our knowledge of the pros and cons of basic income. Five hundred and twenty elected politicians from across the UK sent a letter to the Chancellor on this subject and got a frankly derisory response. Does the Chancellor honestly believe that he knows everything there is to know about a basic income and would not learn from such pilots? If he does not, will he back the basic-income pilots and let us learn together and make evidence-based policy?
I am happy to learn from the 2017 Work and Pensions Committee report that said it was 'difficult to see how' a universal basic income would substantially alleviate poverty, or from the OECD, which said that a universal basic income could 'increase poverty' and negatively affect the poorest. If the hon. Gentleman is putting forward this proposal, he should set out what the specific amount is. I note that to date the SNP has refused to do that.
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Assessment & feedback
The Chancellor did not address whether support would be given for basic-income pilots.
Cited Reports And Oecd Concerns
Questioned The Specifics Of The Proposal
Response accuracy