Better is Possible
Original image by Leanna Cox
The ongoing Covid crisis has exposed the serious structural and systemic flaws in our society and highlighted the obscene and growing levels of inequality that are destroying our communities. The coming severe financial recession, a recession that will be made all the worse here in the UK by the predictable chaos of a no deal Brexit crash out, will impact heavily on these communities, leaving the weakest and poorest even more vulnerable while the UK government talks of plans to introduce even more damaging austerity under cover of the crisis.
Here in Wales, where more than one in five people are currently living in poverty, the devastating impact of this crisis is sadly easy to predict. We live in a society that punishes the vulnerable, with a cruel benefits system that is increasingly unfit for purpose. A system that so often compounds individual’s struggles and suffering.
But it doesn’t have to be this way.
Now is not the time for talk of a return to business as usual. Business as usual was not working for the vast majority of our population. Now is the time for new ideas, for radical ideas. Ideas that will create a fairer, more sustainable future. A future where people live rewarding, safe, secure lives.
Universal Basic Income is one of those ideas. An idea that has been a long-standing Green Party policy. Universal because it would be available to all. Basic because it would provide the essential financial support, we all need as a regular payment. Unlike the current complex bureaucratic benefits system, it would be simple and transparent to administer, and provide not just basic security, but options and choices in a transformative way. Options such as choosing to study, start a new business, care for somebody or learn new skills.
The universality of the basic income also means it would be more efficient to administer than the current benefits system providing clarity and security at often life changing moments. Whatever change to an individual’s circumstances their basic income would still be there as it always would be, a strong and stable safety net. A Universal Basic Income would not only make lives less stressful and more secure, it would also have the potential to free the talents and potential in everyone, enabling people to live fulfilling, rewarding and enjoyable lives.
Objections to a basic income invariably focus on costs. Costings of various schemes have been done by several organisations. In addition to the savings made by replacing the current top-heavy benefits system, fairer and more progressive taxation policies would help meet the cost and create a more equitable society.
As with all new ideas there will be resistance from some quarters, but support for Universal Basic Income is growing both here in Wales and across the globe. Schemes have already been piloted in many places, from Finland to Ontario and many others. These pilots have shown that Universal Basic Income can incentivise, rather than disincentivise work.
It is time, for once and for all, to eliminate the poverty trap, to bring an end to the precarious lives led by so many in an exploitative labour market. It is time for fairness and security for all.
Looking forward in these challenging times we owe it to our communities and future generations to embrace new ideas and transform our society. Universal Basic Income is one of those ideas. It is an idea whose time has surely come. All that is needed is the political will to make it happen.
More about the author
Anthony Slaughter - @AS_Penarth
Penarth, Wales
Wales Green Party leader Anthony Slaughter has been actively involved in Green politics, both locally at a community level and nationally across Wales, for many years. He has represented the party as an election candidate in several elections at every level.
He has also had a long engagement with many community based environmental campaigns. This involvement has included initiatives such as establishing a community orchard, a local food festival and promoting sustainable public transport. He has been the lead on many local campaigns including ‘20’s Plenty’ and Plastic Free Communities. On social justice issues Anthony has worked with the People’s Assembly and other campaigning organisations in Welsh communities. As a co-founder of Vale for Europe he was a leading voice in the campaign for a People’s Vote in Wales.