A Green-led initiative has seen Islington council becoming the first London borough to commit to a pilot for universal basic income (UBI).
UBI is a non-means tested payment, providing locals economic security which comes at a time when it’s needed the most. It is a reliable base that people- young and old, can support themselves on.
In December 2020, Caroline Russell, Islington councillor and London Assembly member, put forward a motion to the council proposing a pilot of UBI for Islington residents.
Labour constructively revised it and Russell was thus to see Islington council become the first London borough to commit to the idea.
UBI is especially needed during these uncertain times, when so many people are struggling to pay their bills.
The party has been getting questions on how this idea would work in practice and if it’s sustainable. In order for a programme to work, there should be a trial run to see what works and what doesn’t work, that is why testing it is vital.
Caroline said: “These times demand leadership and I cannot think of a better time or place to run a trial of a basic income than here and now in this borough.”