Due to government cuts, the benefits system is currently a hot topic. In this timely book, a Citizen's Income (sometimes called a Basic Income) is defined as an unconditional, non-withdrawable income for every individual as a right of citizenship. This much-needed book, written by an experienced researcher and author, is the first for over a decade to analyse the social, economic and labour market advantages of a Citizen's Income in the UK. It demonstrates that it would be simple and cheap to administer, would reduce inequality, enhance individual freedom and would be good for the economy, social cohesion, families, and the employment market. It also contains international comparisons and links with broader issues around the meaning of poverty and inequality, making a valuable contribution to the debate around benefits. Accessibly written, this is essential reading for policy-makers, researchers, teachers, students, and anyone interested in the future of our society and our economy

About the Author
Dr. Malcolm Torry is Director of the Citizen's Income Trust; he has first degrees in mathematics, theology, philosophy, and economics and management; and higher degrees in social policy and in theology. He has recently completed an honorary research fellowship in the Social Policy Department at the London School of Economics. He is Team Rector of the Church of England Parish of East Greenwich.

Reviews
"provides a wide ranging but general introduction for those who are new to the subject, while offering those with more familiarity a useful compendium of recent literatures and debates." Social Policy & Administration
"Malcolm Torry delivers a blockbuster argument in favour of a Citizen's Income to wholly or partially replace current benefits." customer review, Amazon
"The ideal of a Citizen's Income is a challenging framework to reflect on. But ... all governments ... should seriously consider it, and Malcolm Torry certainly shows how to make it a reality." LSE Review of Books
"Citizen's Income is a big idea whose time might at last have come. Malcolm Torry's book could play a part in making that happen. Everyone should read it." Professor Hartley Dean, London School of Economics
"Comprehensive and persuasive, this book debunks the current orthodoxies on welfare reform, and sets out a radical alternative to coercion and 'targeting' - a universal, unconditional, non-withdrawable payment for every citizen." Bill Jordan, Professor of Social Policy, Plymouth University



Book Information
ISBN 9781447311256
Author Malcolm Torry
Format Paperback
Page Count 304
Imprint Policy Press
Publisher Bristol University Press