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Is Universal Basic Income a good idea? Is Universal Basic Income a good idea?
No, UBI is a bad idea No, UBI is a bad idea
Yes, UBI is a good idea Yes, UBI is a good idea
It depends how UBI is funded It depends how UBI is funded
UBI is financially irresponsible UBI is financially irresponsible
UBI increases economic inequality UBI increases economic inequality
UBI undermines social cohesion UBI undermines social cohesion
UBI reduces the marginal utility of work UBI reduces the marginal utility of work
UBI is simpler to implement than other forms of welfare UBI is simpler to implement than other forms of welfare
UBI does not reduce incentives to work UBI does not reduce incentives to work
UBI enables everyone to meet their basic needs UBI enables everyone to meet their basic needs
UBI enables everyone to better participate in society UBI enables everyone to better participate in society
UBI will only work if it replaces the welfare state UBI will only work if it replaces the welfare state
UBI should be funded by tax increases alongside social welfare UBI should be funded by tax increases alongside social welfare
UBI should be means tested UBI should be means tested
Debate Mini Map

Is Universal Basic Income a good idea?
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It depends how UBI is funded

< (3 of 3)

UBI should be means tested

UBI is expensive, but the cost can be off-set only if it is given to the poorest in society. Some form of tax should be employed to provide for everyone under a certain income bracket.
Chris Hughes
< (3 of 3)

The Argument

Any system of UBI is likely to be very expensive unless implemented as part of a pared-back model that removes important welfare measures. Removing these welfare measures would make UBI useless and possibly make people poorer. A means-tested form of UBI is the most workable, cost-effective solution.[1] A middle-ground option that provides for the poorest and does not waste money on the wealthy would be highly beneficial and practical. Phasing in UBI by income is the best way to do this. For example, people earning under $50,000 a year could receive $500 a month to provide for their most basic needs. Income tax credit in the US has provided millions of people with better life outcomes; they work more, study more, and are ultimately more successful. Means-tested UBI will provide these benefits to a larger group of people, and ultimately reduce poverty.[2] Although truly universal forms of UBI seem attractive, wealthy people do not need subsidies, and it will be unaffordably expensive. We should lift the poorest in our society out of poverty by giving them a means-tested form of UBI.

Counter arguments

With a means-tested UBI, there's more than just yearly earnings to take into account. Depending on where someone lives, they're affected by the cost of their home and the taxes they have to pay. For people living in more rural areas, it's possible to live on $50,000, while the same income while living in a city would struggle to make ends meet. This questions who would be considered wealthy and who would need aid. Another issue is if this money is contributing to reducing poverty. Unfortunately, humans are unpredictable and don't always make the best choices. What will people do when they find themselves with virtually 'free money?' In theory, UBI is a fantastic policy, but implementing it is the struggle. Most importantly, a democratic process needs to take place to approve such an approach.[3] Voters need to examine the potential pitfalls of the system before its implementation.

Proponents

Premises

[P1] UBI can help end poverty for the poorest in society. [P2] To make it affordable it should only be given to people who need it. [C] Some form of means-tested UBI is the most affordable option.

Rejecting the premises

References

  1. https://www.lrb.co.uk/the-paper/v41/n14/john-lanchester/good-new-idea
  2. https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2018/feb/20/america-guaranteed-income-chris-hughes
  3. https://www.cnbc.com/2020/07/29/why-andrew-yangs-push-for-a-universal-basic-income-is-making-a-comeback.html

In the Wild

This page was last edited on Thursday, 1 Oct 2020 at 22:01 UTC

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