News / Politics
Councillors call for universal basic income trial in Bristol
Green councillors are calling for a universal basic income trial to be held in Bristol which would give free money to people in two groups.
They will try to get cross-party support in Bristol City Council for the idea and then lobby the government asking for a trial to be launched in the city.
Universal basic income is a controversial idea that involves the government giving free money to everybody with no conditions attached.
This would cover the basic cost of living and proponents say would be fairer and simpler than the current system of means-tested benefits.
Greens have tabled a motion about universal basic income, which will be debated by the full council on Tuesday.
Ani Townsend is a Green councillor for Central ward – photo: Rob Browne
A trial could give money to groups such as the creative sector, giving people like musicians more resources to develop their careers, and care leavers as well.
Green councillor Ani Townsend said: “Universal basic income would provide everyone with the means to support themselves, and could dramatically change the welfare system, including addressing the huge costs associated with homelessness.
“Evidence has shown that it would alleviate poverty, be directly beneficial to people’s wellbeing, could radically redistribute wealth and empower entrepreneurial thinking.
“It is the fairest, most effective way to mitigate the effects of Covid-19, the advance of artificial intelligence, the climate emergency, and continued economic uncertainty on people’s incomes.
“We are calling for a trial, funded by the central government, for the creative sector and other groups who would benefit most.
“Wales have just completed a trial for care leavers, and Ireland has run a successful trial for artists that is set to be made permanent.
“Other cities like Sheffield, Birmingham and Brighton and Hove have all called for trials. Now it’s time to do the same in Bristol.”
The Greens are urging the government to fund and support a trial for a Universal Basic Income in the city – photo: Betty Woolerton
Wales recently completed a trial for care leavers, while Ireland has run a trial for artists which will be made permanent in 2026.
Young Welsh people who grew up in care were given £1,280 a month for two years from their 18th birthday.
In Ireland, 2,000 creative arts workers were given €325 a week, so they can focus on their craft without having to work in an unrelated day job.
Recipients in Ireland spent an average of eight to 11 hours more per week on their creative practice, and were also less likely to experience anxiety or depression.
The trial treated being an artist as a valid, full-time profession that contributes to society, regardless of immediate commercial success.
Alex Seabrook is a local democracy reporter for Bristol
Main photo: Betty Woolerton
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