Liberal Democrats vote for a Guaranteed Basic Income

The policy was heralded as a 'powerful ambition to eradicate poverty'

Lib Dem conference

In a ‘radical and ambitious’ new policy for a fairer society, Lib Dem members voted in support of introducing a Guaranteed Basic Income (GBI).

Referred to as a ‘powerful ambition to eradicate poverty’, members of the Liberal Democrat party voted by a clear majority for the vision to introduce a Guaranteed Basic Income which would involve increasing Universal Credit ‘to the level required to end deep poverty within a decade’ and removing UC sanctions.

Given the option to vote for a Universal Basic Income or a Guaranteed Basic Income, members at the Spring Conference voted for the later policy. The GBI was described as the more radical option which would apparently reduce poverty by 50%.

There was passionate debate between speakers for both options, with the first option arguing for a Universal Basic Income which would replace tax and national insurance allowances for working age adults.

Both options were put forward as part of a Fairer Society Policy, which was passed through during the conference today.

The Fairer Society motion sets out an ambitious plan to end deep poverty, including a radical overhaul of the welfare system and with an aim to de-stigmatised the welfare system.

Members also voted to pass two amendments, the first to add a line in support of the right to strike and the second to implement the Disability Employment Charter.

Hannah Davenport is trade union reporter at Left Foot Forward

As you’re here, we have something to ask you. What we do here to deliver real news is more important than ever. But there’s a problem: we need readers like you to chip in to help us survive. We deliver progressive, independent media, that challenges the right’s hateful rhetoric. Together we can find the stories that get lost.

We’re not bankrolled by billionaire donors, but rely on readers chipping in whatever they can afford to protect our independence. What we do isn’t free, and we run on a shoestring. Can you help by chipping in as little as £1 a week to help us survive? Whatever you can donate, we’re so grateful - and we will ensure your money goes as far as possible to deliver hard-hitting news.

Comments are closed.