AQW 9133/16-21

Mr Robin Swann
Ulster Unionist Party
North Antrim

Tabled Date: 09/01/2017
Answered On Date: 16/01/2017
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister for Communities whether he has, or intends to explore the potential of a universal basic income model instead of the current benefit system.

Answer:

The current system of income related social security benefits is being replaced by Universal Credit in September 2017. There are currently no plans for a further overhaul of the social security system to change to a universal basic income model where all citizens or residents of a country would regularly receive an unconditional sum of money, either from a government or some other public institution, in addition to any income received from elsewhere.