Greens and Lib Dems leaders support calls for Leeds Universal Basic Income

A motion, set to go before Leeds city councillors this week, calls on the government to introduce a pilot of universal basic income in the city.

If supported by members, this would mean asking the government to introduce an unconditional free wage for all citizens, regardless of their work status or salary.

The motion, known as a white paper, argued the inadequacy of the benefits system, combined with the coming economic shock caused by Covid-19, will leave the government with no option but to provide a universal basic income (UBI) to individuals who are struggling to make ends meet.

Six councils have already passed motions calling for UBI pilots in their areas: Liverpool, Sheffield, Hull, Norwich, Newry and Belfast.

Ed Davey, leader of the Liberal Democrats, said: “The Coronavirus pandemic has made clear that much about our economy and welfare system is broken. People we absolutely rely on, from carers and stay-at-home parents, to supermarket workers and delivery drivers, aren’t being properly remunerated for their contributions.

“This is a huge injustice that often keeps people trapped in living standards they don’t deserve, whilst stopping them from reaching their true potential. UBI is a hugely powerful tool that will allow us to address this issue, along with many other emerging challenges such as automation and changing work patterns.

“I am fully committed to campaigning for a UBI that will give everyone the support they deserve and the opportunities they need.”

Sian Berry, co-leader of the Green Party, said: “Universal Basic Income is an idea whose time has come. The coronavirus crisis has shown that we need to mend the social security net for the decades ahead, helping us to build back a greener, fairer economy.”

Trials for UBI have recently taken place in parts of Canada, Finland and Kenya, although no country has yet fully introduced the scheme for all of its citizens.

Its supporters argue the increasing mechanisation of jobs and widening wealth inequalities mean some form of universal basic income will become unavoidable in the coming years. Its detractors claim such a scheme could disincentivise people to work, or cause inflation and reduce the worth of money.

The motion will be discussed by councillors at a full Leeds City Council meeting on Wednesday, September 16.