Money for nothing: Universal basic income to be trialled in England for first time

Two areas have been selected to pilot the policy, Jon Stone reports

Participants in Jarrow and East Finchley will be randomly selected (iStockphoto)

A universal basic income of £1,600 a month is set to be trialled in England for the first time under “exciting” plans drawn up by researchers.

Under the pilot programme, 30 people in two areas would be paid an unconditional lump sum each month for two years, with the effects monitored to understand how it affects their lives.

Advocates of a basic income say the policy would provide security to people both in and out of work and eradicate poverty for good, while critics say it is expensive and that support should be targeted.