Didn't they test UBI in wales as well or am I making that up?
I think the whole benefit fraud thing is overplayed to be honest. It makes up what, 2-3%. Not a big issue imo.
Yes they did a 2 year trial, BIP (Basic Income Pilot). Everyone in the industry was very excited by the idea...
Until they set the parameters, turning 18, leaving care to transition to independent living.
So a few issues:
1. When leaving care, BIP blocked you from applying for council properties, and private landlords won't consider these kids with guarantee schemes, which coincidentally dont exist any more. So can't get a council flat because of income, can't get private. Most of these kids ended up in semi independent living, paying 300- 400+ per week in rent.
2. Those who tries to bypass the system and return to friends and family, essentially making themselves homeless with that kind of money found themselves coerced and manipulated.
3. Residential and foster care aren't capable of designing and implementing ILS programmes adequately, thos kids still in the care system at 18 are the least prepared to live independently, those best equipped move out between from 16.
4. There were a number of kids who turned 18, had family who helped be a guarantor, and moved into their own flat... but had a 60% faulure rate, and they ended up back homeless.
5. So, as an organisation, we created an action group, cross organisations, of volunteers to coordinate and get some stats from some of these kids. I think they managed dats from just under 200 of the 600 or so.
At risk of homelessness (56 days) increased, debt increased, accommodation failure increased, and nearly every kid who did it stated they thought it had a negative effect on their life.
It was designed to fail, set up for the most vulnerable, and least capable adults in Wales to participate and ensure it didnt create a positive buzz about the idea.
