THE SOCIAL DEBATE
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.
The NHS is 75: could a universal basic income be our next ‘national religion’?
The NHS is loved because it is there for all of us. Could basic income play the same role for our generation?
Could a basic income scheme save the NHS tens of billions of pounds?
Health Europa looks at how a basic income scheme could revolutionize NHS funding, potentially saving billions of pounds.
Could a Universal Basic Income be the answer to cost of living woes?
Is a Universal Basic Income merely a utopian concept, or can it be a viable solution that can effectively work in Australia? Experts weigh in.
How “windfall profits” from AI companies could fund a universal basic income
Companies like OpenAI and Google could make unthinkable profits from successful AI. Will they share the wealth?
Opinion: Why every adult should get $500 a week from the government, no questions asked
Everald Compton advocates that every adult in Australia be given $500 a week, regardless of their job status or wealth.
Basic income as a public health measure could save NHS billions
New research has found that a Basic Income scheme could potentially save the National Health Service (NHS) tens of billions of pounds.
Go for Universal Basic Income, urges professor in Malaysia
There is no need for more targeted subsidy schemes if Malaysia can roll out a Universal Basic Income scheme, says an economist.