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Join rs21 members for an open discussion on Universal Basic Income.
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We are now facing an economic recession deepened by Covid 19 and Universal Basic Income (UBI) sounds very appealing as a solution. Support is growing. Opinion polls in Scotland, for example, have already shown support from 2/3 of respondents. Meanwhile the Spanish government approved a pilot UBI scheme last week and it is under consideration in Australia and elsewhere. In the UK, the pandemic has forced a massive bailout of business via the furlough scheme and loans. Unemployment and redundancy are set to rise enormously. Reliance on the inadequate Universal Credit system and increasing debt seem to be the future for millions. Bouncing back from a V-shaped recession seems less likely than a more damaging prolonged U-shaped curve. The debate regarding possible economic responses to the recession was opening up prior to Covid. At the 2019 General Election, Johnson promised a big increase in spending on services and communities struggling after decimation under 10 years of austerity. We are now faced with the ruling class seeking to impose their solution: more austerity, a more Keynesian response or something else?
As socialists consider their response to this economic crisis, should we support UBI as a step forward in the fight for a more equal and just society? Shouldn’t we welcome the fairer redistribution of resources and the reduction of poverty? Not to mention greater autonomy and freedom from work. UBI is supported by some on the left and within the climate movement and by community rebuilding organisations such as Build Back Better. It fits in well with principles of green sustainability and localised economic models.
UBI claims to reduce wasteful centralised bureaucracy surrounding areas such as the welfare state, making services less complex and costly. It also serves as a reward for unpaid contributions to the economy such as care work. How would UBI impact upon services? If care work from within the family was to be rewarded through UBI, what are the implications for the role of women in social reproduction? Does it mean that capital would now be paying for social reproduction? UBI is attractive because it draws support across the spectrum from left to right. If the state is persuaded to introduce such a policy, can it work as UBI proponents suggest, to the benefit of all? Or would it be inadequate for those in greatest need, subsidise bad employers, and undermine workplace organisation? These are just some of the key issues raised.
READING SUGGESTIONS:
The reading suggestions below are optional and vary in length, please read one or more if you have time. There will be one or two short introductions at the start of the meeting and then open discussion.
The case against a Basic Income (anti)
Debating basic income (pro)
Universal Basic Income: new study finds little evidence that it can live up to its promise (anti)
Labour should back recovery universal basic income, say LabourList readers (pro)
UBI: the limits of a technocratic utopia (anti)
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