26-02-2025
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.
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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.
