MENDIP District Council overwhelmingly supported a trial of Universal Basic Income (UBI) in Mendip, at a full council meeting on 22nd February.
The motion was proposed by cllr Shane Collins, leader of the Green Party group and seconded by cllr Ros Wyke, Lib Dem leader of the council, and passed with cross party support.
Cllr Collins said, “MDC tonight voted overwhelmingly to support our motion for a UBI trial in Mendip. Many thanks to the 29 Green and Lib Dem councillors who voted in favour. Next step is to write to the government asking for a trial, so don’t hold your breath, but Mendip is now one of many councils who have asked for a trial.
“This is progressive pressure to make sure UBI is debated at the next election and before. In a time of Covid, Brexit, Artificial Intelligence, the gig economy and climate emergency, the amount of paid jobs are shrinking and with 5.8 million people on Universal Credit and often falling through the net, now is the time for a UBI trial in Mendip.
“UBI for all would simplify and replace benefits such as Universal Credit and Working Tax Credits and work alongside housing benefit and carers allowance, with additional UBI payments for groups of people who experience barriers to working, including disabled people, single parents and people of pension age.
“UBI would also offer basic financial security for all people at a time when it is needed more than ever.”
