8th International World Basic Income Week 2015
The idea of an unconditional universal basic income (UBI) for all to replace the complex and failing welfare system is
rapidly becoming mainstream across the world says BINZ spokesman Lowell Manning.
The 8th International World Basic Income Week is being marked by events in various countries under the motto “UBI: A
safety net for life”, including several in New Zealand.
“The existing welfare system no longer provides an effective safety net over the short term, let alone for life” says Mr
Manning. “It has become so conditional and so incoherent that it hinders social and economic wellbeing instead of
maintaining or improving it”, he adds.
The welfare system dates from when there was a close relationship between work and incomes. That relationship has been
irreparably broken over recent decades, leading to growing structural unemployment and rapid increases in inequality
world-wide; a trend that is disastrous for almost everyone, including most businesses.
BINZ has recently been established to promote income and welfare reform by replacing the existing welfare system with a
universal payment as of right that provides a living income sufficient to enable everyone to participate actively in
economic activity and in their community.
ENDS