THERE are calls for West Berkshire Council to trial a scheme that offers people from all walks of life unconditional, monthly payments.

Councillors will be asked to back a universal basic income pilot scheme, when they vote on a motion Thursday, December 3.

Cllr Steve Masters (Green Party) has submitted the motion, which says the system provides “regular, unconditional minimum income for all citizens”.

He says these payments could provide “economic security, peace of mind and support” to people as they look to “rebuild their lives” after the Covid-19 pandemic – but has not said how much money people should receive each month.

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If the motion is approved, the council will set up a cross-party panel to figure out how a universal basic income trial can be set up in West Berkshire and then lobby the government for funding.

It would join councils in several UK cities, including Liverpool, Sheffield and Cardiff, that are currently exploring universal basic income pilots.

However, the Conservative councillors who hold the majority (24) of the 43 seats on the West Berkshire Council are expected to vote against the motion.

The world’s first government-backed basic income experiment was conducted by Helsinki University researchers in Finland.

During the two-year study, 2,000 randomly-selected unemployed people, between the ages of 25 and 58, received a basic income of €560 a month.

Researchers found the payments did not encourage most of the participants to find work, but they had “fewer health problems, lower stress levels, and could concentrate better”.

Cllr Master’s motion adds: “UBI (universal basic income) could enable the residents of West Berkshire to fulfil their full potential by having the time to (re)train and potentially start new businesses.

“UBI would have a positive effect on mental health.

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“People who lose their jobs would have a safety net and breathing space to find a similar job rather than being forced to take the first low-paid and unskilled job they can find.

“UBI would give people the time to become more involved in their community and support their neighbours, as so many have done during the pandemic.”