A new report published today by Public Health Wales suggests that introducing a basic income scheme could act as a catalyst for better health and well-being outcomes for all.
The report considers a range of evidence and explores the potential impacts that such a scheme could have on health and well-being. It also examines the different approaches to policy design and implementation that have been taken around the world.
Report author Adam Jones, Senior Policy Officer for Public Health Wales, said: “How well a basic income scheme works would certainly depend on how it’s designed and delivered.
“How much income it provides, who is eligible for the income, and how long the scheme is designed to last are all crucial factors in determining outcomes [...]
“A form of basic income is one of the options government can consider to achieve this. It is a radical concept that has yet to be adopted formally by any country but parts of Canada and Finland have trialled schemes, with different approaches, with both seeing positive impacts upon health and well-being in the population. These included people reporting better mental well-being, with improved satisfaction in their lives, and less mental strain, depression and loneliness."