Levelling the Mental Health Gradient among Young People: How Universal Basic Income can address the crisis in anxiety and depression: Interim Report

Elliott Johnson, Aase Villadsen, Fiorella Parra Mujica, Hannah Webster, Riley Thorold, James Morrison, Al Mathers, Howard Reed, Stewart Lansley, Tao Chen, Christodoulos Kypridemos, Martin O'Flaherty, Daniel Nettle, Richard Cookson, Kate E. Pickett, Matthew T Johnson*

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Book/ReportCommissioned reportpeer-review

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Abstract

New research from the RSA in partnership with a multidisciplinary team led by Matthew Johnson, Professor in Politics at Northumbria University, explores the possible benefits of a universal basic income in the UK.

In the context of the basic income trial in Wales, which will see care leavers receive £1,600 per month, we identify the potential wellbeing impacts of a more universal trial and the financial implications of the policy.

In 2021, the RSA held workshops with young people to understand more about their financial lives, and what impact a UBI might have on their wellbeing. We found that:

* The current system does not work for young people and they face a trade-off between work, study and leisure.
* Young people realise how important education is to their future, but their efforts are being undermined by a lack of necessary financial security.
* Young people support UBI in general and tend to believe a UBI should be paid on top of some existing benefits.

The RSA’s workshops are supported by economic analysis from Landman Economics which finds that a UBI is affordable and has potential as a preventative health strategy. Further, new polling reveals high public support for a UBI, suggesting there is appetite to explore the policy beyond the current trial in Wales.
Original languageEnglish
Place of PublicationLondon
PublisherRoyal Society for the Encouragement of Arts Manufactures and Commerce
Number of pages30
ISBN (Electronic)9781911532668
ISBN (Print)9781911532668
Publication statusPublished - 28 Jul 2022

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