Episode 5: Thinking outside the box – exploring a Universal Basic Income pilot

Local Trust podcast

In June 2023, Grange Big Local in East Finchley, London, and Big Local Jarrow in South Tyneside, launched a Universal Basic Income (UBI) pilot scheme. Aimed at addressing issues faced by local residents, the scheme would examine the impact of UBI on health, wellbeing and economic outcomes, while also advocating for UBI as a national policy solution. The innovative scheme was developed in consultation with local residents, to shape what could become the first UBI trial in England. In this episode, we speak to Julia Hines from Grange Big Local and Cleo Goodman from Basic Income Conversation about the initiative and their hopes for securing funding to get the pilot off the ground. They discuss the practicalities of a UBI and how it could address basic needs, and provide security and support for those facing financial difficulties or who have taken on caregiving responsibilities. Read more about the pilot in the Big Local basic income proposal report, here: https://autonomy.work/portfolio/basic-income-big-local/