The Welsh Government is trialling a new support scheme which will give care leavers £1600 per month for two years once they turn 18 years.
Jane Hutt, the Minister for Social Justice, explained that the basic income aims to support the most vulnerable in society financially whilst also signposting other areas where they can get help to navigate the world post-care home.
So what?
This pilot offers the highest amount of basic income globally, and is unconditional – the support will not be redacted if the individual becomes employed. There are concerns with some stating that we’re “expecting [young adults] to know how to spend [their money] in the best way for themselves.”
However, if done correctly there is hope that it can show the positive and transformative impacts of having a high UBI in supporting everyone’s development, and removing “the barriers often faced transitioning into adulthood.”
Sources
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Basic income for care leavers in Wales, pilot announced | GOV.WALES https://gov.wales/basic-income-care-leavers-wales-pilot-announced -
Basic income: Wales pilot offers £1,600 a month to care leavers https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-wales-politics-60391462 -
Basic income pilot scheme for care leavers to be trialled in Wales https://www.theguardian.com/society/2022/feb/15/basic-income-pilot-scheme-for-care-leavers-to-be-trialled-in-wales
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