READ HERE - Article by Fiona Callingham
CALLS have been made to trial a state payment scheme in Portsmouth that would mean everyone - including those in employment - was entitled to a basic allowance from government.
Councillors will write to Westminster asking politicians to consider piloting universal basic income (UBI) in the city. Under the system those in work pay a certain percentage of earnings to fund the allowance for everyone – unlike benefits that are means tested.
A debate on UBI was brought to this week's virtual full council meeting where proposer Councillor Matt Winnington cited the impact of being on the ‘front line’ of Brexit as well as the Covid-19 pandemic as reasons for concern.