A universal basic income is a regular payment from the state to each individual, sufficient for a frugal but decent standard of living without supplementary income from other sources. Basic income is always tax-free and replaces social welfare payments, child benefit, the state pension and tax credits as we currently know them. It is paid to everyone, so reaches people in need without complicated conditions or demeaning supplication. People with high incomes get basic income, too, but pay it back through the tax system. Basic income establishes basic financial security as a right to all members of society, whether they engage in paid work or not.
(The following article, by Anne Ryan and John Baker of Basic Income Ireland, appeared first in The Socialist Economic).
A universal basic income is a regular payment from the state to each individual, sufficient for a frugal but decent standard of living without supplementary income from other sources. Basic income is always tax-free and replaces social welfare payments, child benefit, the state pension and tax credits as we currently know them. It is paid to everyone, so reaches people in need without complicated conditions or demeaning supplication. People with high incomes get basic income, too, but pay it back through the tax system. Basic income establishes basic financial security as a right to all members of society, whether they engage in paid work or not.
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The Environment Society of the Dundalk Institute of Technology are holding a public meeting on March 1st 2017.
Two Basic income members - Anne Ryan and Tony Weekes - will give a presentation. All are welcome to attend. More information about venue and times etc., will be available ASAP. Basic Income Ireland's March network meeting will take place at 6pm on Tues March 21st at Dublin Institute of Technology, Aungier St, Room 3-077.
Seán Ward and Seán Healy of Social Justice Ireland will present the new SJI costings for basic income and this will be followed by a discussion. All are welcome to attend. Universal Basic Income is a payment from the State to every citizen paid every week, every year of your life, unconditionally. It should be enough to live a basic life. It involves no means-testing with no work requirement and is guaranteed, tax-free. It is currently being considered and piloted in countries including Finland, India and Switzerland.
Universal Basic Income would replace core social welfare payments including the Jobseekers Allowance, the State pension and most tax credits and allowances. Other State benefits would not be affected. Supporters argue that, along with State services in health, housing and education, Basic Income ensures the dignity of all of its citizens. It enhances social justice and basic security, improving mental health by giving people control over their time. It promotes values of learning and public participation and citizenship. Critics argue that it is would decrease productivity, or that it is not feasible. So can we afford it? What would be the economic and social consequences? Speakers from Social Justice Ireland and Basic Income Ireland will outline what Basic Income is and its likely impact for Ireland. Book your free place here >> DATE AND TIME Tue 21 February 2017 19:30 – 21:00 GMT LOCATION Royal Marine Hotel Marine Road Dublin Ireland View Map |
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