Latest news with #BasicIncome
The Journal
26-05-2025
- Business
- The Journal
Minister backs keeping artists' Basic Income after report finds they feel happier and empowered
ARTS MINISTER PATRICK O'Donovan has backed retaining the Basic Income Scheme for artists. The Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media has published a report into the scheme, where artists said the weekly stipend of €325 improved their mental health, made them feel more empowered and gave them much more stability in their life and work. With other benefits cited such as helping to gain artists more sustainable housing, to starting families and establishing pension schemes, the scheme has been loudly welcomed by arts groups. O'Donovan said that the research on a pilot of 2,000 artists shows that the impact of the Basic Income Scheme is 'far-ranging', affecting all aspects of recipients' lives. 'Artists are investing more time and more money into their practice, completing more new artistic output, experiencing reduced anxiety, and are protected from the precariousness of incomes in the sector to a greater degree than those who are not receiving the support,' the Fine Gael minister said. Arts Minister Patrick O'Donovan (centre) pictured with the National Campaign for the Arts steering group Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media The commissioned report collected and analysed the experiences of Basic Income for the Arts recipients. It found that providing a basic income for Ireland's artists has helped to achieve the original aums, by assisting in reducing anxiety around making ends meet while increasing time for recipients to pursue their work. Advertisement This increased time for creative pursuits has resulted in greater artist autonomy and better greater ability to plan and navigate their own creative path. Artists also reported that the scheme 'significantly impacts' feelings of financial uncertainty in their lives. As the pilot ends, it's important to hear from the artists themselves. I am struck by the stories collected in this report. This paper complements my Department's research to date which shows that the BIA payment is having a consistent, positive impact for those in receipt of it. In a statement today, O'Donovan said he had met with the National Campaign for the Arts (NCFA) last week to discuss the income scheme and was aware that there is broad sectoral support for it. Minister O'Donovan added 'I am heartened by the responses of the Basic Income recipients in this paper. This research will add to the evaluation being conducted by my Department, which to date clearly shows that the Basic Income Pilot has been an effective support for the artists in receipt of it. Per the Programme for Government I will evaluate the data from the pilot and then bring proposals to Government about next steps'. The National Campaign for the Arts committee said that it 'emphatically supports' the retention, extension and expansion of Basic Income for the Arts. Calling it a 'transformative policy', the group said it has helped to support artists to 'secure more sustainable housing, address health issues, start families and even establish pension schemes'. The National Campaign for the Arts said that the findings 'affirm what the arts sector has long known', namely, that the 'deep precarity of the arts requires sustained, courageous support—support that not only transforms the lives of artists, but also strengthens the society they help to shape'. The paper published today found that artists felt an importance of 'giving back' to their community and that the scheme had helped them to work on more projects within their locality. Readers like you are keeping these stories free for everyone... A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation. Learn More Support The Journal
RTÉ News
26-05-2025
- Politics
- RTÉ News
Minister backs retention of Basic Income for Arts scheme
Minister for the Arts Patrick O'Donovan has publicly backed the retention of the Basic Income for the Arts scheme today saying that its impact is "far-ranging and affects all aspects of recipients' lives". In a newly commissioned report published by the Minister this morning, the experiences of Basic Income for the Arts (BIA), more than 50 recipients were interviewed by a sociologist to talk about the changes that the BIA has brought to their lives. The report provides additional context to the data collected so far by the Department as part of the BIA research programme, the Minister said. The scheme which has been running since September 2022 on a three-year pilot timeframe provides 2,000 artists and creative arts workers, who were selected randomly, with payments of €325 per week. The report finds that participation in the scheme has been broadly welcomed by the artistic community with recipients describing a range of impacts including that the weekly financial support "significantly reduces financial anxiety and increases time for creative pursuits". The interviews also demonstrate that recipients reported "greater artistic autonomy, self-efficacy and validation" through participation in the scheme. Minister O'Donovan said that as the pilot ends later this summer, it was important to hear from the artists themselves and that he was "struck" by the stories collected in this report, adding that the paper "complements my Department's research to date which shows that the BIA payment is having a consistent, positive impact for those in receipt of it". Mr O'Donovan also met with the National Campaign for the Arts (NCFA) last week to discuss the Basic Income for the Arts and is aware that there is broad sectoral support for the BIA. The NCFA said that it "emphatically" supports the retention, extension and expansion of the BIA, recognising it as a "transformative policy" that empowers artists with meaningful financial stability. It adds that the findings of the report demonstrate that, the pilot scheme has supported artists to "secure more sustainable housing, address health issues, start families and even establish pension schemes". The findings "affirm" what the arts sector has long known: the "deep precarity of the arts requires sustained, courageous support - support that not only transforms the lives of artists, but also strengthens the society they help to shape," a spokesperson for the NCFA added. The paper published today finds that the stability of the payment has significantly reduced underlying financial stress, has allowed recipients to devote time to research and experimentation which resulted in improved quality and opened new career trajectories. The interviewees report a sense of legitimacy and validation and mentioned the importance of 'giving back' to their community. Mr O'Donovan added "I am heartened by the responses of the Basic Income recipients in this paper. "This research will add to the evaluation being conducted by my Department, which to date clearly shows that the Basic Income pilot has been an effective support for the artists in receipt of it. Per the Programme for Government I will evaluate the data from the pilot and then bring proposals to Government about next steps." The report was compiled by Dr Jenny Dagg, a sociologist lecturing in the Department of Sociology at Maynooth University. The report's research questions included, 'how does basic income support affect the financial stability of artists and creative workers?' and 'how does basic income support influence the well-being and mental health of artists?'. Key impacts reported by participants illustrated income security, and a rise in artistic output and quality. Recipients acknowledged that the BIA payment makes them feel "legitimate" and validated, that "I am an artist" and that being an artist is now a valid and valued profession. On 8 May Mr O'Donovan said in the Dáil that the scheme had "proven its worth" and that he saw "retention of the scheme as a priority" and that he would make an announcement "soon" to confirm details as an extention would be subject to "budgetary talks". Labour TD Alan Kelly who is the chair of the new Media Committee also welcomed the scheme that day and gave his support to its extention.
IOL News
20-05-2025
- Business
- IOL News
Calls mount for progressive budget as Godongwana prepares for budget speech
As Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana prepares to deliver the national budget on Wednesday, there is growing pressure Image: Independent Newspapers As Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana prepares to deliver the national budget on Wednesday, there is growing pressure for a fiscal plan that prioritises economic growth, job creation, and strengthening of social support systems. This will be Godongwana's third attempt at presenting the budget, following previous challenges largely due to disagreements over a proposed 2% increase in Value Added Tax (VAT). The proposed increase faced significant opposition from various parties and civil society organisations, including the Democratic Alliance (DA), which argued that the VAT hike would disproportionately harm the poor. However, Godongwana insisted that the VAT increase was necessary for the government to fund critical frontline services, such as teachers and doctors, which are essential to the functioning of the country. Ahead of the budget on Wednesday, the Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU) has called on the minister to present a budget that addresses the nation's pressing socio-economic challenges. "The working class and the country at large are battling numerous dire socio-economic crises and need government to table a bold, progressive budget that will capacitate the state to deliver the quality public services that society and the economy depend upon, stimulate badly needed growth, slash unemployment to generate the revenue the state requires, and provide relief to the unemployed while the economy picks up," said COSATU's Parliamentary Coordinator, Matthew Parks. Advocacy group Black Sash's Head of Communications, Oliver Meth, said that the current R370 monthly Social Relief of Distress (SRD) grant was inadequate and called on the government to commit to a permanent Basic Income Support mechanism for unemployed adults. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Video Player is loading. 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Next Stay Close ✕ "What we need is a clear political and fiscal commitment to a Permanent Basic Income Support mechanism for those aged 18 to 59 with little to no income. It's time to move beyond temporary solutions. We want to see budget allocations that reflect a progressive realisation of the right to social security for all — especially those currently excluded," Meth said. "There are also concerns about how this budget may deepen inequality. When the bulk of fiscal consolidation falls on the poor — through stagnant social grants, underfunded basic services, or regressive tax shifts — the gap between rich and poor only widens." Meanwhile, the Organisation Undoing Tax Abuse (OUTA) hopes the government will announce meaningful spending cuts and improved efficiencies, particularly with regards to struggling state-owned enterprises (SOEs). "Reforms to reduce expenditure and cut wasteful spending in many areas of government, particularly those highlighted by Treasury's recent spending reform exercises, are needed but have yet to be actioned. In addition, the AGSA has highlighted many opportunities for wasteful expenditure in their numerous reports over the past few years," OUTA's Chief Executive Officer, Wayne Duvenage said. "Hopefully, we will also start to see some rationalisation in the size of government, starting with eliminating two deputy ministers in many departments, and possibly even cancelling the need for a deputy minister at all in some areas." Duvenage also expressed hope for stronger collaboration between the Government of National Unity (GNU), business, and civil society on a revised fiscal plan that tackles economic challenges, enhances social support, and boosts investor confidence. Build One South Africa (BOSA) called on Godongwana to resist presenting a budget that signals no positive change, and instead boldly prioritise economic growth, job creation, and fiscal responsibility to kickstart progress and change. "It would be irresponsible of the Minister – and the government – to ignore or misread the national mood. It is one of struggle and a great thirst for change. Some South Africans are barely getting by, while others are not. The cost of living is soaring. "Whether it be food, transport, electricity, school fees, or bond repayments and rent, citizens are in a tight bind. The April 2025 Household Affordability Index reports that the basic food basket now costs R5,420.30, while a third of petrol prices are made up of government taxes and levies. "Household debt is rising, inflation is driving up bond and rental costs, and economic growth remains stagnant. The choices made in this budget must reflect the urgent realities of our people," BOSA said. 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Yahoo
26-02-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Andy Burnham's office issues statement on plan to give homeless people 'no strings attached' free cash
Andy Burnham's office has responded to plans to give homeless people free cash over two years as part of an experiment. The Greater Manchester mayor has been urged to back the proposal which would see up to 200 people paid £1,600 a month with 'no strings attached'. The Basic Income pilot proposed by the UBI Lab Network would test the idea by focusing on homeless people first. Academics and campaigners from the group want to see the initiative rolled out universally so 'everyone gets it', arguing that an 'income floor' that nobody can fall below could end absolute poverty. READ MORE: Suspect named after girl, 3, killed in Manchester tram and van crash READ MORE: Major road shuts after 'serious accident' with pedestrian fighting for life It comes after Mr Burnham committed to bringing forward a 'Basic Income' pilot in his election manifesto last year. The Manchester Evening News understands that his office is looking at other proposals for the Basic Income pilot too. Among other ideas put forward is the Living Income which would set an 'income floor', including through means-tested benefits. Responding to the UBI Lab Network's proposal, a Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) spokesperson said: "It is very positive to see a lot of effort and thought looking into how a Universal Basic Income, or a similar approach, could work and benefit residents across Greater Manchester. "We are committed to doing all that we can for those at the sharpest end of health, social and economic inequality and we know that too many are still struggling with the cost of living. "Through our transformative 'GM Live Well' agenda we want to make sure the right support is available for all through a prevention-first approach, and a Universal Basic Income would go a long way in increasing economic security and reducing financial stress for many of our residents. "As part of our Live Well plans, we would welcome working with the Government to pilot truly progressive ways to at addressing poverty and helping the most vulnerable in our society." In his election manifesto, the Labour mayor said that Greater Manchester would not be able to bring forward a Basic Income pilot alone, but committed to making the case to the government for the city-region to host one. Under UBI Lab Network's plans for the pilot, up to 200 people would get £1,600 a month - £38,400 over the two-year period - costing £7.68m in total. The group says the costs to run a pilot could be raised through a combination of central government support, public donations, support from philanthropic organisations and funding from the GMCA itself.
