1. In the UK, people could soon receive $2,000 every month — for doing nothing. Some may call this “free money,” but it’s more commonly referred to as “universal basic income.” The idea is for every person in a country to receive the same amount of money from the government every month to pay for things they can’t live without, like food and housing.
2. Many countries have thought about introducing a universal basic income (UBI), and the UK is the most recent country to trial it. As part of the trial, 30 people will receive just over $2,000 every month for two years.
3. During this time, participants can also work if they want to. The trial is being done by Autonomy, a research organization, and the aim is to see what effect the money has on each person’s well-being.
If you were to receive an extra $2,000 every month, what would you spend it on?
4. Autonomy has spent two years planning this trial, which will take place in two locations in England: Jarrow, in the northeast, and East Finchley, in London. Anyone from these areas can apply. Participants will be chosen mostly at random, although the researchers are aiming to have a representative group.
5. Universal basic income has been discussed for years, and many who agree with it say it will reduce poverty and give people security as living costs increase all around the world.
(1)How much money does it take to live comfortably in your town or city?
(2)How has the cost of living changed where you live over the past few years?
6. Not everyone feels that way, however — some say it will cost governments a lot of money, and also use money that could be used in other areas, like health care. Others say it will encourage people not to work.
7. Cleo Goodman, who works for Autonomy, is hopeful that the trial will be successful. “No one should ever be facing poverty, having to choose between heating and eating,” she told The Guardian.
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