THE SOCIAL DEBATE
Veteran Basic Income could be the solution the VA has been searching for
Five years ago this February, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) underwent an overhaul of its appellate process when it implemented the Appeals Modernization Act.
Writer Kerry Hudson: ‘Universal basic income just makes sense’
Writer Kerry Hudson: ‘I grew up with the narrative that working-class mothers were the worst’
Hephzibah Anderson
The author on following her acclaimed debut Lowborn with a memoir about motherhood, why her next two books will be thrillers, and the power of toast to bring cheer
How government plans to pay for a Basic Income Grant in South Africa
President Cyril Ramaphosa is looking to try make the shift to a Basic Income Grant a reality following renewed calls in this year’s ANC’s January 8th statement – but questions have arisen as to how the country is going to fund it.
Financial stress linked to worse biological health
People who experience stressful life events or circumstances are more likely to have worse biological health, as indicated by biomarkers involved in the interaction between our immune, nervous and endocrine systems, according to a new study by UCL researchers.
Opinion: A properly functioning social security system is a major stimulus to economic growth
South Africa needs to revisit and rethink the use and role of its social security system, not as a poverty alleviation tool, but as a demand-side economic stimulus to meet short-term economic growth.
How would the Smith-Wyden tax package impact families?
The proposed tax package includes several changes concerning business deductions, international trade, housing, and families.
Why Do We Work So Much?
Technology should have reduced our work hours. Why hasn’t it?
The Child Tax Credit Is Back From the Dead
Two years after the expiration of the expanded child tax credit, a pandemic-era policy that temporarily but dramatically lowered child poverty rates, federal lawmakers are close to a bipartisan deal that may reinstate some version of the credit.
Opinion: Universal basic income for a more prosperous Australia
A universal basic income will not only benefit those suffering from poverty, but will also provide a more stable economy for all Australians. William Bourke reports.
Only one-in-five hungry Canadians use food banks — what’s broken?
40 years on, food banks are doing nothing for the majority of nearly 6 million hungry Canadians. Experts say something needs to change
Scottish independence could see Universal Basic Income introduced, Scottish Greens say
Independence would allow us to ensure a real living wage for all and introduce a Universal Basic Income.
The Shrunken Safety Net Could Help Explain Bad Feelings About Economy
Some people’s lives are harder now than they were three years ago because the government is doing less.
Are young people poised to slam the brake on endless economic growth?
The climate and cost of living crises make belief in expanding GDPs look as stale as last year’s mince pies. But when central governments rely on consumerism to shore up spending, it will be hard for ‘degrowth’ to gain any traction
UBI and a four-day week: ‘We should re-order how we work and live’
At the start of the pandemic, I wrote a piece about a four-day week and a universal basic income (UBI). I highlighted the huge changes that were coming because of AI and the need to go carbon neutral.
The success of the expanded child tax credit shows why anti-poverty programs should be unconditional
We’ve been fighting poverty all wrong
Opinion: Basic income is less radical than you think
I’ve been following debates on guaranteed income for almost a decade, and one thing that’s stood out is that universal basic income (UBI), a regular cash payment to all citizens with no strings attached, is like a Rorschach test.
A basic income scheme for the developing world
If Brazil’s scheme became permanent it would set a global example, as ‘bolsa familia’ did in the 2000s
South Africa’s Minister of Social Development confirms Basic Income Grant is on the cards
Minister of Social Development Lindiwe Zulu says she will approach Cabinet to approve the draft policy on the Basic Income Grant before it is fully implemented.
Basic income is being considered in Canada’s Senate
The Senate is studying a bill that would introduce a framework for a policy that would guarantee access to a livable income to everyone over 17.
Opinion: Universal Basic Income (UBI): An Islamic perspective
Interest is growing, particularly among Western commentators, in arguments that governments should distribute a universal basic income (UBI) to citizens.
Basic Income Grant (BIG) Coalition of Namibia host a Concert to celebrate the 16th anniversary of International Basic Income Week
The Basic Income Grant (BIG) Coalition of Namibia will be hosting a #NoOneLeftOut Concert in Windhoek on Saturday to celebrate the 16th anniversary of International Basic Income Grant week.
Waterloo councilor wants city to support call for national basic income program
Program doesn’t just support individuals but has ‘ripple effects for communities,’ Coun. Jen Vasic says
Opinion: Basic Income is a liberal idea and we must reclaim it
There is already evidence that the generous £400 per week package is being used by these young people to go on courses, or to put down a deposit on a flat.
Is South Africa poised to become a global leader in universal basic income?
Many governments—especially those of low and middle-income countries with particularly burdensome debt obligations—have cut social spending and reverted to austerity frameworks.
Universal basic income and reproductive labor
With a renewed interest in universal basic income (UBI), maybe it is time to reconsider its gendered capabilities
Opinion: Americans are working harder and making less. We need a new social safety net
Thousands of auto workers for the three-largest U.S. carmakers walked off the job last week because their pay has only increased fractionally in the wake of the auto companies’ soaring profits.
Region of Waterloo passes motion to call for guaranteed livable basic income
‘The rich are getting richer and the poor are getting poorer,’ said Cambridge regional councilor
What Happens When You Give New Parents Cash Aid?
Cash transfer programs are forging a path for guaranteed income.
Hugh Segal’s voice will be missed, but not soon forgotten
Four years ago, we interviewed Hugh Segal for a book on basic income. He was being treated for the disease that ended his life last week.
A Basic Income for Everybody: Why the Musicians’ Union Backs UBI
The MU’s motion backing UBI was presented at TUC Young Workers Conference. We assess the concept, history, and feasibility of UBI.
Towards a European universal basic income
This proposal for a European basic income is innovative and opens up opportunities for the majority of the population.
Many people feel they work in pointless, meaningless jobs, research confirms
The theory that many people feel the work they do is pointless because their jobs are “bullshit” has been confirmed by a new study.