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Universal Basic Income - a regular payment for all citizens - is a radical idea that has been around for centuries that is supported, and opposed, across the traditional political spectrum. The ongoing pandemic has thrust the policy to the forefront of popular and political discussions.

Supporters argue that now, more than ever, an unconditional cash payment to every citizen is necessary to best protect those who have taken the brunt of the economic hit from COVID-19. Sceptics are concerned about issues such cost effectiveness, effects on work incentives and the political risks of such a significant change in times of crisis. There are also alternative mechanisms to implement the proposal, such as the Negative Income Tax originally suggested by Milton Friedman.

For the ASI’s next webinar, our expert speakers will explore whether a basic income (or something like it) should be part of the Government’s response to COVID-19. We will examine the latest international evidence and delve into the theory behind building an effective welfare state.

Panellists:

Daniel Pryor is Head of Programmes at the Adam Smith Institute. He has regularly written and presented on the topic of Universal Basic Income and Negative Income Tax. (Host)

Otto Lehto is a PhD student at King’s College London who focuses his research on Universal Basic Income. He is also a John Blundell Scholar for the ASI and in 2018 released his first ASI report, ‘Basic Income Around The World’.

Dr Stephen Davies is the Head of Education at the Institute of Economic Affairs. Previously he was a university history lecturer, and program officer at the Institute for Humane Studies (IHS). His most recent briefing paper, ‘C-19: Redefining the state of welfare?’.

James Heywood is a Senior Researcher at the Centre for Policy Studies. His work on tax and welfare has been concerned with improving work incentives for the lowest paid, lifting the poorest out of tax, and tackling in-work poverty.