Why We Need a Citizen’s Basic Income

In the five years since Money for Everyone was published the idea of a Citizen’s Basic Income has rocketed in interest to an idea whose time has come. In moving the debate on from the desirability of a basic income this fully updated and revised edition now includes comprehensive discussions on feasibility and implementation. Using the consultation undertaken by the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales as a basis, Torry examines a number of implementation methods for Citizen’s Basic Income and considers the cost implications. Including real-life examples from the UK, and data from case studies and pilots in Alaska, Namibia, India, Iran and elsewhere, this is the essential research-based introduction to the Citizen’s Basic Income.

Table of Contents:
Imagine …; How did we get to where we are now?; The economy, work and employment; Individuals and their families; Administrative efficiency; Reducing poverty and inequality; Is it feasible?; Options for implementation; Pilot projects and experiments; Objections; Alternatives to a Citizen’s Basic Income; A brief summary; Afterword; Appendix.

About the Author :
Dr Malcolm Torry has been Director of the Citizen's Basic Income Trust since 2001 (and was Director before that between 1988 and 1992), and he is also a Visiting Senior Fellow at the London School of Economics. He has written several books on the subject of Citizen’s Basic Income and has also written extensively on religious and faith-based organisations.

Review :
‘A well-written, accessible and convincing introduction to the concept, rationale and challenges of basic income. It also offers an entry for the lay person, academic and engaged practitioner and policymaker into the literature and discourse that is increasingly illuminating and promoting this contribution to a better nation and world.’ Citizen’s Income “… comprehensive and pragmatic examination …thoughtful, clearly written, and can be adapted to suit a range of audiences. Its strength is in its practicality and push for experimentation.” Basic Income Studies “…a nuanced and convincing account of how policy design and implementation issues could play out in practice, while at the same time acknowledging real limits and barriers to feasibility. The book is underpinned by high-quality scholarship throughout, and will appeal especially to those studying or otherwise interested in UK social policy.” Journal of Social Policy “Torry's book deserves to become a standard introduction to the Citizen's Income debate.” Social Policy and Administration on Money for everyone "Malcolm Torry certainly shows how to make [universal basic income] a reality.” LSE Review of Books on Money for everyone “Introduces the Citizen’s/Basic Income concept with clarity and thoroughness and provides a measured and authoritative contribution to what is now a fast-moving global debate.” Hartley Dean, London School of Economics