Free money for all: How universal basic income entered the political mainstream

Get the free Morning Headlines email for news from our reporters across the world Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. “But if you look at the detail, this could solve so many social problems that I think it can’t be dismissed anymore.” The idea of a universal basic income – where every person is effectively given an allowance by the state to cover basic living costs – is one that is fast entering the political mainstream. “It would reduce poverty to almost unheard-of levels, address the inequality both between and within regions … and provide a foundation for our young people to secure good lives that support good mental health,” he wrote in a newly-published report co-authored by Johnson and funded by the left-of-centre Compass campaign group. Andy Burnham said the scheme would reduce poverty, adress regional inequality and help young people When Professor Johnson began researching how popular a universal basic income would be with northern voters, he wasn’t sure it would have mass appeal. “On a philosophical level, I think it would encourage people not to seek employment,” says Russell Bernstein, the leader of the Conservative group on Bury Council within Greater Manchester.