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Common Sense Policy Group

@plancommonsense.bsky.social
186 followers 523 following 56 posts

The Common Sense Policy Group presents feasible, affordable and popular evidence-based policies that can form the programme for progressive government

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Common Sense Policy Group @plancommonsense.bsky.social · 21/07/2026
New APPG report on the youth NEET crisis draws on our evidence that poverty's effect on young people is neurological, not just financial. This is structural, not individual failure - and demands reform of the conditional welfare system appgpovertyinequality.org.uk/home-page/ne...
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Common Sense Policy Group @plancommonsense.bsky.social · 17/07/2026
CSPG's written submission to the Women & Equalities Committee's flexible working and disability inquiry has been published [FWD0083]. We argue claiming Equality Act rights is burdensome and flexible arrangements aren't accessible for most disabled workers. committees.parliament.uk/writtenevide...
committees.parliament.uk
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Common Sense Policy Group @plancommonsense.bsky.social · 17/07/2026
Andy Burnham's Manchester speech set to tackle regional inequality, strengthen devolution, increase council housing, and public investment. Our latest blog examines his proposals, what they mean for the UK and where government should go even further. commonsense.northumbria.ac.uk/blog/reasons...
jonny gios unsplash photo of Manchester's skyline
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Northumbria University @northumbriauni.bsky.social · 23/06/2026
📣The ethical case for moving away from animal testing now has an economic case to match. Discover more from @plancommonsense.bsky.social and @lush.com ⬇️
northumbria.ac.uk
Northumbria researchers provide economic evidence base for shift away from animal testing
New research commissioned by Lush shows the UK's non-animal methods sector grew to more than £1.2 billion in turnover and has been cited by a leading parliamentary advocate for reform.
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Scott Santens @scottsantens.com · 25/04/2026
After reading this newest essay of mine, one of my readers said via email, "This is probably the best article I've ever read advocating for UBI. And one of the best you've ever written." If you haven't read it yet, please do. Maybe you will feel the same way. 🎲 www.scottsantens.com/the-angine-d...
scottsantens.com
The Angine de Poitrine Argument for UBI
Why Angine de Poitrine's viral microtonal math rock KEXP session, Ireland's permanent basic income for artists, and Albert Einstein are three sides of the same human triangle Two guys in papier-mâc...
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Common Sense Policy Group @plancommonsense.bsky.social · 20/04/2026
📄 What drives support for largescale housing reform? Our new study explores UK public opinion on major housing reform, finding strong support for ambitious, state‑led approaches and clear links with socioeconomic factors. @tandfresearch.bsky.social www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10....
tandfonline.com
What drives support for largescale housing reform? Mixed-methods survey data from the UK indicates importance of socioeconomic status over demographic characteristics
The UK housing system is in crisis. In 2021, 8.5 million people had unmet housing needs on account of affordability, accessibility and quality. While the Labour Government have placed emphasis on l...
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Common Sense Policy Group @plancommonsense.bsky.social · 31/03/2026
New CSPG research commissioned by LUSH makes the business case for ending animal testing in the UK. A £100m public investment in non-animal methods could generate a £248m tax return in just 7 years, making the case both ethical and economic commonsense.northumbria.ac.uk/reports/nams...
Report page with logos for the Common Sense Policy Group and Northumbria University. The background fades from dark blue to magenta with abstract collage graphics and words like “ethical” and “circular.” Large text reads “Non‑Animal New Approach Methodologies (NAMs): More effective, more ethical and more economically productive,” Smaller text reads "A Common Sense business case commissioned by Lush".
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Common Sense Policy Group @plancommonsense.bsky.social · 24/03/2026
🎙️ During his visit to Australia, Professor Matthew Johnson joined Dylan Bird on @3rrrfm.bsky.social Future Perfect to discuss how we can tackle health and economic inequality, championing #BasicIncome and the case for transformative change in the UK. Listen now www.rrr.org.au/on-demand/se...
rrr.org.au
Segments: Future Perfect: Matthew Johnson On How We Can Tackle Health And Economic Inequality — Triple R 102.7FM, Melbourne Independent Radio
Dylan Bird is joined by Matthew Johnson, Professor of Public Policy at Northumbria University and Chair of the Common Sense Policy Group, to dig into his research on health and economic inequality, ho...
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Ben Eltham @beneltham.bsky.social · 13/03/2026
Melbourne: British inequality scholar Matthew Johnson joins me in conversation this Monday 3pm at Monash Uni Caulfield campus, to discuss his work fighting inequality and rebuilding social democracy. FREE PUBLIC TALK Monday 16/3 3pm Caulfield campus bit.ly/common-sense...
bit.ly
Monash MFJ Presents: Matthew Johnson on Common Sense policies for a New Social Contract
Growing inequality, economic stagnation and the rise of the populist right are putting pressure on our democratic system. But there are policy interventions that can address the pressing problems that...
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Common Sense Policy Group @plancommonsense.bsky.social · 26/02/2026
Payday is this week for some but for millions wages go straight on essentials. With less to spend in the wider economy, demand and growth fall. We need an economy that rewards productive work and gives people the security to build a life, not just get by commonsense.northumbria.ac.uk/act-now/a-ne...
Collage-style artwork about sustainable economics, featuring bold phrases like ‘A New Economy Fit for Purpose,’ ‘Ethical,’ ‘Circular,’ and ‘Sustainable,’ with a central blue circular‑arrow diagram symbolizing a circular economy, surrounded by abstract industrial sketches, colourful geometric shapes, and hand‑drawn elements
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Common Sense Policy Group @plancommonsense.bsky.social · 23/02/2026
Dr Elliott Johnson was on LBC @globalplayer.com with @henryriley1.bsky.social discussing the decline in remote jobs and what this means for disabled workers. Listen now from 1hr 11 mins: www.globalplayer.com/catchup/lbc/... #CommonSense #AccessibleWork #WelfareReform #DisabilityInclusion
globalplayer.com
Henry Riley | Global Player
Listen to Henry Riley for free on Global Player.
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Common Sense Policy Group @plancommonsense.bsky.social · 18/02/2026
Dr Elliott Johnson joined @darrylmorris.bsky.social on @listentotimesradio.bsky.social on Sunday to discuss Basic Income, how it works, why it’s needed, and its practical feasibility. Listen now from 1:22: www.thetimes.com/radio/show/2... #CommonSense #BasicIncome #WelfareReform
thetimes.com
Darryl Morris | Times Radio | The Times and the Sunday Times
Listen to Times Radio live for the latest breaking news, expert analysis and well-informed discussion covering the biggest stories of the day.
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Common Sense Policy Group @plancommonsense.bsky.social · 04/02/2026
@profkepickett.bsky.social The Good Society: And How We Make It is out tomorrow! www.penguin.co.uk/books/470692... Featured in today's @theguardian.com piece www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle..., the book is a timely vision for what it takes to create a fairer, healthier, more secure society.
Book cover of The Good Society: And How We Make It by Kate Pickett. The title appears in large red text on a white background. A small white cube with coloured bars on its faces sits below the title. The author’s name, Kate Pickett, is in red at the bottom, with the line ‘Co-author of The Spirit Level’ underneath
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Common Sense Policy Group @plancommonsense.bsky.social · 02/02/2026
Our 2025 Annual Report is out now commonsense.northumbria.ac.uk/reports/revi... A year of huge growth for CSPG, with major research and impact across almost all areas of #publicpolicy. 2026 will be even more ambitious. #CommonSense #BasicIncome #WelfareReform
Cover of the Common Sense Policy Group Annual Report titled A Common Sense Review of 2025. The top half has a blue to pink gradient background with the Common Sense Policy Group logo and arrow symbol. The lower half features a collage style graphic with bold yellow and red text including words like ‘Funding’, ‘Promote’, ‘Invest’, and ‘Prevent’, alongside text about sustainable and ethical policies. The website ‘commonsensepolicygroup.com’ appears at the bottom
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Zack Polanski @zackpolanski.bsky.social · 15/01/2026
Brilliant discussion. Great explanations around why we need to tax passive wealth as much as productive income. youtu.be/q1cx921XUwU?...
youtu.be
The Economic Case for UBI Just Got Stronger
YouTube video by Richard J Murphy
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Common Sense Policy Group @plancommonsense.bsky.social · 16/01/2026
Matthew Johnson’s @fivebooks.com interview just topped @scottsantens.com “Top 10 UBI Articles of 2025” and for good reason! It weaves together the philosophical, economic, and political case for a #BasicIncome scottsantens.substack.com?utm_source=n... fivebooks.com/best-books/u...
fivebooks.com
Universal Basic Income
Is basic income a viable policy that changes everything? Matthew Johnson, Professor of Public Policy at Northumbria University, and other members of the 'Common Sense Policy Group' think so. He introd...
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Common Sense Policy Group @plancommonsense.bsky.social · 14/01/2026
🎙 New podcast with @richardjmurphy.bsky.social The Economic Case for UBI Just Got Stronger Here we discuss our latest work on economic modelling, public investment, and the case for a #BasicIncome and why it can strengthen security and the economy. www.youtube.com/watch?v=q1cx...
youtube.com
The Economic Case for UBI Just Got Stronger
YouTube video by Richard J Murphy
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Richard Murphy @richardjmurphy.bsky.social · 14/01/2026
The Economic Case for UBI Just Got Stronger youtu.be/q1cx921XUwU?...
youtu.be
The Economic Case for UBI Just Got Stronger
YouTube video by Richard J Murphy
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Common Sense Policy Group @plancommonsense.bsky.social · 13/01/2026
What would real economic security mean for you in 2026? Stable wages, affordable housing, the freedom to plan ahead? Our research shows how fragile the UK's social safety net is commonsense.northumbria.ac.uk/act-now/a-so... What does economic security look like for you? #BasicIncome #WelfareReform
A collage-style artwork combining photos and graphics about social security. At the top, a red arc reads “Social security for work family and community.” Below it are layered images: a child covering their eyes, a pointing hand, a Jobcentre Plus sign, and a Universal Credit notice about advance payments. Abstract lines and circles connect the elements, with a grey box in the centre that says “We are connected.” The overall design highlights themes of community, welfare, and the UK social safety net
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Common Sense Policy Group @plancommonsense.bsky.social · 05/01/2026
MPs return to Parliament this week. Will 2026 bring real change? We believe the priorities should be: ✅ Tackle the cost of living crisis ✅ Provide a social safety net that protects everyone ✅ Build a new economy on public investment Our vision: commonsense.northumbria.ac.uk/act-now/
A colourful political collage featuring protest scenes, government buildings, and a map of the United Kingdom. Ribbons labelled “Representative,” “Co‑operative,” “Connected,” “Devolved,” and “Responsive” run across the top. In the centre, large text reads “Government for us not just them.” People hold signs with messages such as “Cooperative solutions now,” “Invest don’t punish,” “Not my government,” and “Free the regions.” The composition mixes photographs and illustrations in bright, layered colours.
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Common Sense Policy Group @plancommonsense.bsky.social · 05/01/2026
🚨 NEW REPORT: Basic Income for Net Zero: Trade Union Perspectives With @ubilabnetwork.bsky.social we interviewed union officers on #BasicIncome. Amid pay crises & job cuts, unions see the potential of #BasicIncome to support a green & just transition. commonsense.northumbria.ac.uk/reports/basi...
Front cover page for Basic Income for Net Zero: Trade Union Perspectives
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UBI Lab Network 🌍🌎🌏 @ubilabnetwork.bsky.social · 26/12/2025
With @plancommonsense.bsky.social we have published a report on Basic Income for Net Zero: Trade Union Perspectives This report is built on interviews with trade union officers and general secretaries. It was a pleasure to have these discussions commonsense.northumbria.ac.uk/reports/basi...
commonsense.northumbria.ac.uk
Basic Income for Net Zero - Common Sense Policy Group
Basic Income for Net Zero: Trade Union Perspectives Download ‘Basic Income for Net Zero’ This report analyses engagement with UK […]
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Common Sense Policy Group @plancommonsense.bsky.social · 04/12/2025
The November budget was a chance to break from failed treasury orthodoxy. Instead we got more tinkering around the edges of the status quo. Our analysis shows why short-term deficit reduction is holding us back. Read our blog here commonsense.northumbria.ac.uk/budget-blues... #NovemberBudget2025
commonsense.northumbria.ac.uk
Budget Blues The Sequel - Common Sense Policy Group
Budget Blues The Sequel Common Sense Policy Group published 3 December 2025 by Anna Frances Thew In June, the Common […]
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Common Sense Policy Group @plancommonsense.bsky.social · 20/11/2025
Dr Elliott Johnson will speak tonight at @uniofstandrews.bsky.social Debating Society, arguing for a #BasicIncome to replace the UK welfare state. We’re thrilled to see Elliott bringing these important ideas to such a historic forum! www.stadebates.com/event/1e4e24... #StAndrews #WelfareReform
stadebates.com
This House Supports Replacing the UK's Welfare State with UBI
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Common Sense Policy Group @plancommonsense.bsky.social · 06/11/2025
Huge thanks to Tony Hawks for sharing a copy of Basic Income: The Policy That Changes Everything with the brilliant satirist Rory Bremner, who’s keen to explore our ideas! Find out more about the book here - policy.bristoluniversitypress.co.uk/trade/basic-...
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Simon Duffy @simonduffy.bsky.social · 03/09/2025
Yesterday @citizennetwork.bsky.social hit Parliament. Thanks to @nataliegreenpeer.bsky.social and Baroness Hollins for hosting us. And guests @compassoffice.bsky.social @disrightsuk.bsky.social @learningdiseng.bsky.social @jrf-uk.bsky.social @carefull.bsky.social @plancommonsense.bsky.social …
Citizen Network members arriving at the House of Lords to share innovations, citizen actions and to ask why public policy is designed to make it difficult to be a citizen.
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Common Sense Policy Group @plancommonsense.bsky.social · 29/09/2025
Act Now is front and centre at the @waterstones.bsky.social shop at the @labouruk.bsky.social Party Conference! Stacks of copies on the main table and signed editions available thanks to @profkepickett.bsky.social! Don't miss your chance to grab one! #LabourPartyConference #Lab25 #CommonSense
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Common Sense Policy Group @plancommonsense.bsky.social · 25/09/2025
Advocate for radical wealth and social security reform, Tony 'The Fridgeman' Hawks, delivering our book 'Basic Income: The Policy That Changes Everything' to @resfoundation.bsky.social with a request to talk change. Thanks very much Tony! policy.bristoluniversitypress.co.uk/trade/basic-...
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Common Sense Policy Group @plancommonsense.bsky.social · 25/09/2025
Dr Elliott Johnson joined Clare Foges on @lbc.co.uk, cutting through the noise on welfare and health. Tighter eligibility and harsher conditionality harm health, discourage work and reduce the chances of finding meaningful employment. 🎧 Listen from 01:11:28: www.globalplayer.com/catchup/lbc/...
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Northumbria University @northumbriauni.bsky.social · 09/09/2025
Public policy experts examining the case for transformative welfare policy and the impact on public health outcomes have outlined their research in a new editorial published by The British Medical Journal – known as @bmj.com @plancommonsense.bsky.social #BasicIncome 📰Discover more:
northumbria.ac.uk
Researchers make their case for Basic Income in the BMJ
Public policy experts examining the case for transformative welfare policy and the impact on public health outcomes have outlined their research in a new editorial published by The British Medical Jou...
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Common Sense Policy Group @plancommonsense.bsky.social · 08/09/2025
The CSPG @northumbriauni.bsky.social has published a @bmj.com editorial ‘welfare system is a key public health measure’. Welfare cuts have worsened #HealthInequalities. A modest #BasicIncome could improve #health and reduce #poverty and #inequality rates in the UK. 📖 www.bmj.com/content/390/...
bmj.com
Welfare system is a key public health measure
UK approach needs reconsideration to improve inequalities Health, and health inequalities, are almost universally recognised to have substantial social determinants.12 Although the Conservative gover...
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The BMJ @bmj.com · 04/09/2025
Austerity measures to reduce access to and generosity of working age, disability, and childhood benefits have failed to increase growth or curtail rising debt — but have contributed to widening health inequalities, @plancommonsense.bsky.social www.bmj.com/content/390/...
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Common Sense Policy Group @plancommonsense.bsky.social · 28/08/2025
Professor Matthew Johnson shares @fivebooks.com that explore the philosophy, politics and urgency of a #BasicIncome - from Marx to Hayek and Guy Standing. Read the full interview to discover why #BasicIncome really is the policy that changes everything! fivebooks.com/best-books/u...
fivebooks.com
Universal Basic Income
Is basic income a viable policy that changes everything? Matthew Johnson, Professor of Public Policy at Northumbria University, and other members of the 'Common Sense Policy Group' think so. He introd...
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Five Books - Expert Book Recommendations @fivebooks.com · 27/08/2025
NEW: "There is no alternative" Matthew Johnson, Professor of Public Policy @northumbriauni.bsky.social, chair @plancommonsense.bsky.social, makes the case for basic income: fivebooks.com/best-books/u... #BasicIncome #UBI cc @brisunipress.bsky.social
fivebooks.com
Universal Basic Income
Is basic income a viable policy that changes everything? Matthew Johnson, Professor of Public Policy at Northumbria University, and other members of the 'Common Sense Policy Group' think so. He…
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Common Sense Policy Group @plancommonsense.bsky.social · 11/08/2025
"Basic income is bold but necessary” Dr @ianrobsons.bsky.social, a community development worker with 30+ years in working-class communities shares how #BasicIncome could transform people's lives in Blyth, Northumberland. 📖 Basic Income OUT NOW: policy.bristoluniversitypress.co.uk/trade/basic-...
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Northumbria University @northumbriauni.bsky.social · 28/07/2025
Great interview with Northumbria's Dr Elliott Johnson on @lbc.co.uk radio, as he discusses the research of the Common Sense Policy Group into the benefits of basic income.
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Common Sense Policy Group @plancommonsense.bsky.social · 28/07/2025
“Really thought provoking” – Natasha Devon Dr Elliott Johnson joined @lbc.co.uk to discuss the transformative power of a #BasicIncome to enhance public health, increase financial security, and empower people across the income distribution. Listen from 02:10:11 www.globalplayer.com/catchup/lbc/...
globalplayer.com
Natasha Devon on LBC UK - Catch Up | Global Player
Catch up on the last 7 days of shows from Natasha Devon on LBC UK
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Common Sense Policy Group @plancommonsense.bsky.social · 22/07/2025
@profkepickett.bsky.social spoke at Claim the Future’s conference, spotlighting CSPG’s work on #BasicIncome “A universal, predictable income could give everyone a stable foundation, reducing financial stress and opening up opportunities.” labourhub.org.uk/2025/07/22/p... @labour-hub.bsky.social
labourhub.org.uk
Poverty can be tackled
Saturday’s Labour in Government: one year on Conference, organised by Claim the Future, drew a packed attendance. Below we reproduce a presentation by Professor Kate Pickett. We…
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Common Sense Policy Group @plancommonsense.bsky.social · 01/07/2025
On 24 June we held a drop-in at the House of Commons hosted by @neilduncanjordan.bsky.social MP. @profkepickett.bsky.social and Dr Elliott Johnson discussed income security and the economic harms of the proposed welfare cuts. #BasicIncome #WelfareReformBill #HouseOfCommons #CommonSense
Neil Duncan-Jordan MP, Professor Kate Pickett, and Dr Elliott Johnson standing together holding a copy of “Basic Income: The Policy That Changes Everything” during the House of Commons event.
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Common Sense Policy Group @plancommonsense.bsky.social · 30/06/2025
Dr Elliott Johnson on @listentotimesradio.bsky.social with Rod Liddle, discussing how #EconomicInsecurity is reshaping political preference across class lines and the implications of this shift 🎧 Listen from 2:05:00: www.thetimes.com/radio/show/2... #CommonSense #VoterBehaviour #WelfareReform
thetimes.com
Rod Liddle | Times Radio | The Times and the Sunday Times
Listen to Times Radio live for the latest breaking news, expert analysis and well-informed discussion covering the biggest stories of the day.
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Common Sense Policy Group @plancommonsense.bsky.social · 30/06/2025
Dr Elliott Johnson, speaking to @londonassembly.bsky.social last week, backed basic income as the most effective way to tackle disincentives and address the health, crime and social harm driven by income insecurity. Watch more: webcasts.london.gov.uk/Assembly/Eve... #BasicIncome #AssemblyEconomy
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Common Sense Policy Group @plancommonsense.bsky.social · 27/06/2025
New welfare changes are unfair, worsen incentives, and deliver no savings. Flawed fiscal rules can’t justify damaging cuts or regressive policy. We challenge both the policy and the thinking behind it. commonsense.northumbria.ac.uk/reports/spen... #CommonSense #BasicIncome #WelfareReformBill
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Common Sense Policy Group @plancommonsense.bsky.social · 25/06/2025
🚨NEW REPORT🚨 We challenge the flawed assumptions behind the UK Government’s fiscal strategy, exposing the long-term economic damage caused by sustained spending cuts and regressive welfare policies. Read the full report here: commonsense.northumbria.ac.uk/reports/spen... #CommonSense #BasicIncome
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Common Sense Policy Group @plancommonsense.bsky.social · 25/06/2025
CSPG's Epidemiology Lead @profkepickett.bsky.social in @theguardian.com making the case for Basic Income as a powerful upstream intervention to reduce pressure on the NHS and improve population health in the poorest areas. Read more: www.theguardian.com/society/2025... #CommonSense #BasicIncome
theguardian.com
Poorest parts of England to get £2.2bn more for NHS to cut care inequalities
Deprived and coastal areas to get extra cash this year for staff and resources in effort to improve health outcomes
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London Assembly @londonassembly.bsky.social · 24/06/2025
#AssemblyEconomy will meet tomorrow to understand the benefits and drawbacks associated with a Universal Basic Income (UBI) – payments made to all people without a means test or work requirement. www.london.gov.uk/who-we-are/w...
10:00
25/6/2025
THE CHAMBER, CITY HALL, KAMAL CHUNCHIE WAY
Exploring Universal Basic Income in London
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London Assembly @londonassembly.bsky.social · 25/06/2025
What are the pros and cons of a Universal Basic Income in London? Tune in to the #AssemblyEconomy meeting from 10am to find out: webcasts.london.gov.uk/Assembly
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Bristol University Press @brisunipress.bsky.social · 14/06/2025
Upcoming event for #IndependentBookshopWeek! Basic income can no longer be dismissed as a utopian idea — it’s being tested worldwide. But can it truly transform economies and societies? 📅Fri, 20 June, 7:00 PM: buff.ly/hJcvPU6
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Bristol University Press @brisunipress.bsky.social · 14/06/2025
@richardmskemp.bsky.social‬ talks with Howard Reed and Elliott Johnson about the reality of #BasicIncome in this episode of the Transforming Society podcast: @plancommonsense.bsky.social‬ buff.ly/xp5P3B3
transformingsociety.co.uk
PODCAST: Is basic income the answer to our age of crisis? - Transforming Society
In this episode, Richard Kemp talks with Howard Reed and Elliott Johnson about the reality of basic income.
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Policy Press @policypress.bsky.social · 06/06/2025
📘 Basic Income: The Policy That Changes Everything. Join Kate Pickett for a talk & Q&A to celebrate the launch of the new Policy Press book 'Basic Income'. 📅 Wed 16 July | 7–8:30 PM 📍 Five Leaves Bookshop, Nottingham 🔗
buff.ly
Basic Income: The Policy That Changes Everything, talk and Q&A with Kate Pickett – Five Leaves Bookshop
Nottingham’s independent bookshop | 14a Long Row, Nottingham NG1 2DH | 0115 8373097
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Policy Press @policypress.bsky.social · 11/06/2025
📘 Basic Income: The Policy That Changes Everything. Join Kate Pickett for a talk & Q&A to celebrate the launch of the new Policy Press book 'Basic Income'. 📅 Wed 16 July | 7–8:30 PM 📍 Five Leaves Bookshop, Nottingham 🔗 buff.ly/CeYrcrz
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