If you think nothing works in Britain now, just wait. Wait, that is, until a future government (I’ll guess a Labour one, but can never tell with the Conservatives any more) introduces a universal basic income – that is a guaranteed, unconditional income for everyone, regardless of means, and regardless of whether they are working, looking for work or completely hostile to the concept that they should ever be expected to earn their keep. Some on the left have been plugging away at the idea of a basic income for years, but the left-wing think tank Autonomy has now announced a pilot scheme by which 30 volunteers will be randomly selected to receive £1,600 a month for two years. It says it is seeking funding from councils, philanthropists and local authorities.
According to Will Stronge, director of research at Autonomy, we are going to need a basic income in future ‘given the tumult of climate change, tech disruption and industrial transition’.
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