Labour’s flat-rate wage plans are blasted by critics over fear it will cost taxpayers hundreds of billions
Shadow Chancellor John McDonnell said his party could trial a Universal Basic Income scheme if Labour won the next Election
LABOUR’S plan to replace benefits with free handouts for everyone were universally slammed yesterday.
Shadow Chancellor John McDonnell said the party could trial a Universal Basic Income if they win the next General Election.
But Tory party chairman Brandon Lewis slammed the idea to offer handouts to the workshy - as well as the needy.
He blasted: “This handout would cost hundreds of billions of pounds and is a kick in the teeth to hardworking taxpayers, who would have to pay for it through huge tax rises and more borrowing.
“Our welfare system should give people a hand up, not a hand out. Work not only gives people a pay packet, but also a place in our society.”
Mr McDonnell said the policy, which would replaces benefits with a flat rate paid to all citizens, was an idea “a lot of people are pressing for”.
Its supporters claim it would cut bureaucracy involved in means-testing benefits and could also help support workers who lose their jobs when they’re replaced by robots and artificial intelligence.
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Asked if a pilot scheme could feature in Labour’s plans at the next election, Mr McDonnell said officials were coming “forward with proposals”.
He added: “It’s one of those things I think we can get into the next manifesto and see, it’s worth a try.
“There have been pilots elsewhere. I’m trying to wait for the feedback.”
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