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Basic Income

Question for Department for Work and Pensions

UIN HL7724, tabled on 2 September 2020

To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of recent research from Finland that suggests that Universal Basic Income improves employee mental health and boosts employment.

Answered on

16 September 2020

No assessment has been made. Universal Basic Income does not take any account of people’s needs and circumstances, is not targeted at the poorest in society and would be hugely expensive.

This Government believes Universal Credit is the right strategy for the UK because it simplifies the benefits system, promotes and incentivises work and provides targeted support to those in most need, in a way that is affordable.