Meeting documents

To consider a report setting out a requisitioned item submitted for the Council’s consideration.

Universal Basic Income

The Council RESOLVED not to adopt the item regarding Universal Basic Income.

The Chair invited Cllr John Clarke to present and propose the requisitioned item about a pilot study for Universal Basic Income. Cllr Tessa Munt seconded the recommendations and hoped they would receive cross-party support.

The requisitioned item, in recognising the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on Somerset’s residents’ incomes, and the urgent need to reduce inequality, disadvantage and poverty, asked the Council to request that the Leader:

1. To write to the Chancellor of the Exchequer, Somerset’s MPs and the Secretary of State for Work & Pensions requesting the UK Government undertakes pilot studies for the Universal Basic Income, and that Somerset be included in any pilot.

2. That such pilot studies gather evidence of the effectiveness of a Universal Basic Income on reducing inequality, disadvantage and poverty.

3. That the Leader sends a copy of any responses from The Chancellor of the Exchequer, Somerset’s MPs and the Secretary of State for Work & Pensions to all Somerset County Council Members as and when replies are received.

There was a brief debate on the requisitioned item and Cllr Munt proposed an amendment, seconded by Cllr Revans:

4. That, if there is a pilot study/trial, the Council should apply to be part of that pilot study/trail (for a Universal Basic Income).

The Council RESOLVED by majority not to support the amendment.

The Council then RESOLVED by majority not to adopt the requestioned item regarding a pilot study for universal Basic Income.