Agenda item

“Covid-19, Brexit, a global economic downturn and social security cuts are leaving Broxtowe citizens with financial uncertainty.  With the furlough scheme approaching its end and protections for tenants being loosened, the borough and nation are facing a crisis never seen before.  The Government hastily and inadequately implemented the furlough scheme, leaving too many people without financial support during lockdown.  We believe radical change is needed to stimulate the economic recovery and successfully transition to a green, low carbon, hi tech economy.  This requires widespread retraining of the workforce and our young people.  We need to ensure Broxtowe residents have the financial security to be able to undertake career changes, access training and establish new enterprise.

These issues combined with technological advances leading to further automation and changes in commerce, necessitate a flexible and supportive societal answer.  The present benefits system is not fit for purpose let alone the future, which warrants an ambitious response.  This Council knows that universal credit has led to an upsurge in rental arrears across the private and social housing sector.  The use of food banks has increased hugely in the past decade and much more in this pandemic. Means tested benefits are costly to administer and leave thousands of people navigating financial insecurity, not knowing what money they will get each month.  We believe a universal basic income would be the best way to provide income security to the population and stimulate economic recovery. 

The Liberal Democrats believe that no-one should be left with insufficient income to adequately feed, clothe and house themselves.   Studies on universal basic income show vast improvements in health, wellbeing and productivity.  People are more likely to find work when they have a guaranteed basic income.  Additional support should continue for those with further health or care needs, single parents and those with caring responsibilities. 

We call on this council to lobby the Government to establish universal basic income.  We believe that Broxtowe would be a good area for a pilot scheme.  Universal basic income should help boost the local economy and deal with the impending housing and unemployment crisis.   We ask members to support this motion.”

“Covid-19, Brexit, a global economic downturn and social security cuts are leaving Broxtowe citizens with financial uncertainty.  With the furlough scheme approaching its end and protections for tenants being loosened, the borough and nation are facing a crisis never seen before.  The Government hastily and inadequately implemented the furlough scheme, leaving too many people without financial support during lockdown.  We believe radical change is needed to stimulate the economic recovery and successfully transition to a green, low carbon, hi tech economy.  This requires widespread retraining of the workforce and our young people.  We need to ensure Broxtowe residents have the financial security to be able to undertake career changes, access training and establish new enterprise.

These issues combined with technological advances leading to further automation and changes in commerce, necessitate a flexible and supportive societal answer.  The present benefits system is not fit for purpose let alone the future, which warrants an ambitious response.  This Council knows that universal credit has led to an upsurge in rental arrears across the private and social housing sector.  The use of food banks has increased hugely in the past decade and much more in this pandemic. Means tested benefits are costly to administer and leave thousands of people navigating financial insecurity, not knowing what money they will get each month.  We believe a universal basic income would be the best way to provide income security to the population and stimulate economic recovery. 

The Liberal Democrats believe that no-one should be left with insufficient income to adequately feed, clothe and house themselves.   Studies on universal basic income show vast improvements in health, wellbeing and productivity.  People are more likely to find work when they have a guaranteed basic income.  Additional support should continue for those with further health or care needs, single parents and those with caring responsibilities. 

We call on this council to lobby the Government to establish universal basic income.  We believe that Broxtowe would be a good area for a pilot scheme.  Universal basic income should help boost the local economy and deal with the impending housing and unemployment crisis.   We ask members to support this motion.”

A recorded vote was called for by Councillor D Grindell and seconded by at least five councillors.

On being put to the meeting the motion was passed and the voting was as follows: