Minimum Income Standards in the Basic Income debate

Author(s):  
Malcolm Torry

This chapter explores the concept or idea of “basic income” in relation to the growing work on reference budget standards, particularly in relation to the Minimum Income Standards (MIS) findings in the UK context. It confirms whether basic incomes should be paid to every individual at MIS levels or whether a Universal Basic Income (UBI) scheme as a whole should raise family incomes to the levels of the MIS. It also investigates what approach is both feasible and affordable to bring families and households closer to the MIS. The chapter marks new territory in the UBI debate, taking some of the first steps to join up important debates and explore issues surrounding UBI, MIS and reference budgets, both in theory and in practice. It discusses the feasibility of paying basic incomes at levels defined by the published MIS reports.

2019 ◽  
pp. 3-28
Author(s):  
Peter Sloman

The 2008 financial crisis and the era of austerity that followed have pushed poverty and inequality to the top of the political agenda for the first time in a generation. One of the most striking responses has been the surge of interest in a Universal Basic Income—an idea which has circulated in British politics since at least the First World War, and has intersected with proposals for more selective and conditional forms of minimum income. This introduction examines the history of guaranteed income in modern Britain from two perspectives: an ideational story about the circulation and development of basic income, Negative Income Tax, and tax credit schemes, and a public policy story about the growth of cash transfers since the 1970s. It argues that the UK has become a ‘transfer state’ in which working-age benefits play a central role in legitimating a particular form of post-industrial liberal capitalism.


Author(s):  
Christopher Deeming

This chapter gives an overview of the research in developing “minimum income standards” and “family budget standards,” “indicative budgets” and “standard budgets.” It analyzes goods and services that are considered necessary to reach a minimum standard of living for an individual or household within a given country context, region, or city. It also brings together up-to-date and accessible information and analysis in an effort to raise the profile and understanding of reference budget research. The chapter places minimum income standards at the heart of global social policy debates that focus on strengthening social protection systems. It also discusses reference budgets and minimum income standards research, covering different methodologies and approaches in relation to the implementation of policy and practice.


Author(s):  
Pierre Concialdi

This chapter focuses on the French experience of reference budgets in establishing an operational definition of “minimum decent income,” which since has been inspired by the Minimum Income Standards (MIS) methodology developed in the UK. It explains the MIS approach that has been applied extensively in the French context and covered six family types. It also examines the most recent “MIS France” results, which confirms that the basic amount of guaranteed minimum incomes in France is far below the reference budgets for all family types, and yet for the time being. The chapter points out how reference budget research has failed to stir political action and public debate in France. It highlights the main results of the study and related research findings that place reference budgets in the French policy debate.


Author(s):  
Jonathan Bradshaw

This chapter describes the revival of the fading tradition of minimum income standards for healthy living. It talks about the emerging theoretical frameworks of “basic needs” and “capabilities.” It also draws attention to the growing knowledge about health determinants and international human rights instruments, which helps guide the development of minimum income standards in a more systematic fashion. The chapter reflects on Jonathan Bradshaw's longstanding research career, in which he pioneered budget standards research in the UK, such as promoting the Family Budget Unit and developing the Low Cost but Acceptable and Modest but Adequate standards. It also describes the development of the Minimum Income Standards approach and its subsequent applications in the UK.


2020 ◽  
Vol 40 (3) ◽  
pp. 566-583
Author(s):  
Eduardo Matarazzo Suplicy ◽  
Mônica Dallari

ABSTRACT Brazil is the first national in the world to approve a law to institute, step by step, a Citizen’s Basic Income. In 1991, I presented a Guaranteed Minimum Income proposal. More and more in the world, there is growing interest and experiences. Among them, in Kenia. The results of paying a Universal Basic Income to all adults with 18 years or more in rural villages are very positive. Maricá (RJ) has started to pay 33 dollars per month to one third of the population last August. By 2021, the Universal Basic Income (UBI) will be paid to all inhabitants.


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