Ahead of the Senedd Cymru – Welsh Parliament elections on 6 May 2021, we asked candidates across Wales to put their name to our pledge promising to support pilots of Universal Basic Income.
The Pledge
The pandemic has shown that our welfare system is not fit for purpose. Millions of people have fallen through the gaps in the UK government's support packages. Families across Wales are facing poverty and hardship for the first time.
After decades of underinvestment from Westminster, Wales is falling even further behind the rest of Britain.
We can't go on like this.
We urgently need to strengthen our welfare system. The creation of a Universal Basic Income (UBI) – a regular and unconditional cash payment to every person in Wales – could be a big part of the solution.
A Basic Income would provide financial security for all, giving everyone the resources they need to thrive. It would transform our social security system with a scheme fit for the 21st century – one that would allow everyone to develop their talents.
A Basic Income would allow the Senedd to build resilience into our communities. It would create the investment we need to transform our towns and cities. It would provide protection for everyone.
It could be our generation’s NHS.
Cities around the world, from Catalonia to California, are trying out UBI. Many have found that a guaranteed income allows their citizens to live happier, healthier and more secure lives.
The Senedd has already passed a motion calling for a UBI pilot in Wales. Councils in Cardiff, Swansea and Rhondda Cynon Taf have asked to take a leading role, with more expected to follow.
The Scottish Government have funded a world-leading feasibility study into UBI pilots, while the Future Generations Commissioner has launched a major study exploring what a Basic Income could look like in Wales.
Now is the time to build on this momentum.
The current benefits system is failing the people of Wales. It’s time to test alternatives. As a Member of the Senedd, I will:
Support calls to pilot Universal Basic Income in Wales
Lobby Westminster for the devolved powers needed to pilot Universal Basic Income
Work with other Senedd members to call for a new economic settlement, which includes trialling a Universal Basic Income
Are you a candidate? To sign the pledge please email us at pledge@ubilabnetwork.org
Yr Adduned
Mae'r pandemig wedi dangos nad yw ein system les yn addas. Mae miliynau o bobl wedi syrthio trwy'r bylchau ym mhecynnau cymorth llywodraeth y DU. Mae teuluoedd ledled Cymru yn wynebu tlodi a chaledi am y tro cyntaf.
Ar ôl degawdau o danfuddsoddiad gan San Steffan, mae Cymru yn syrthio hyd yn oed ymhellach y tu ôl i weddill Prydain.
Nid yw hyn yn dderbyniol.
Mae angen i ni gryfhau ein system les ar frys. Gallai creu Incwm Sylfaenol Cyffredinol (UBI) – h.y. taliad arian parod rheolaidd a diamod i bob person yng Nghymru - fod yn rhan fawr o'r ateb.
Byddai Incwm Sylfaenol yn darparu sicrwydd ariannol i bawb, gan roi'r adnoddau sydd eu hangen ar bawb i ffynnu. Byddai'n trawsnewid ein system nawdd cymdeithasol gyda chynllun sy'n addas ar gyfer yr 21ain ganrif - un a fyddai'n caniatáu i bawb ddatblygu eu doniau.
Byddai Incwm Sylfaenol yn caniatáu i'r Senedd ymgorffori gwytnwch yn ein cymunedau. Byddai'n creu'r buddsoddiad sydd ei angen arnom i drawsnewid ein trefi a'n dinasoedd. Byddai'n amddiffyn pawb.
Gallai hyd yn oed fod yn GIG ein cenhedlaeth.
Mae dinasoedd ledled y byd, o Gatalwnia i Galifornia, yn rhoi cynnig ar “UBI”. Mae llawer wedi canfod bod incwm gwarantedig yn caniatáu i'w dinasyddion fyw bywydau hapusach, iachach a mwy diogel.
Mae'r Senedd eisoes wedi pasio cynnig yn galw am beilot UBI yng Nghymru. Mae cynghorau yng Nghaerdydd, Abertawe a Rhondda Cynon Taf wedi gofyn i gymryd rôl arweiniol, a disgwylir i fwy ddilyn.
Mae Llywodraeth yr Alban wedi ariannu astudiaeth ddichonoldeb, tra bod Comisiynydd Cenedlaethau’r Dyfodol wedi lansio astudiaeth fawr yn archwilio sut y gallai Incwm Sylfaenol edrych yng Nghymru.
Nawr yw'r amser i adeiladu ar y momentwm hwn.
Mae'r system fudd-daliadau bresennol yn methu pobl Cymru. Mae'n bryd trio pethau gwahanol. Fel Aelod o'r Senedd, byddaf yn:
Cefnogi galwadau i dreialu Incwm Sylfaenol Cyffredinol yng Nghymru
Lobio San Steffan am y pwerau datganoledig sydd eu hangen i dreialu Incwm Sylfaenol Cyffredinol
Gweithio gydag aelodau eraill y Senedd i alw am setliad economaidd newydd, sy'n cynnwys treialu Incwm Sylfaenol Cyffredinol
Ydych chi'n ymgeisydd? I lofnodi'r addewid anfonwch e-bost atom - pledge@ubilabnetwork.org
Join the call
Add your name to the call for candidates to pledge their support for basic income trials in Wales.
#PledgeForUBI