Decision details

Decision:

(1)    That approval be given for the Leader of the Council to send a letter, based on the draft letter set out in Appendix 2 to the report submitted to the Executive, to the Under-Secretary of State for Work and Pensions asking government to consider reforms to the existing benefits system and highlighting this Council's desire to investigate UBI should the opportunity arise in the future.

(2)    That the letter should:

(a)   identify the potential for levelling up the inequalities in the borough, and in Surrey as a whole; and

(b)   highlight that this Council would only wish to be involved in a fully funded trial of UBI.

(3)    That no engagement be made with the local UBI Lab.

(4)    That the draft letter be circulated to group leaders and that they be invited to sign the letter should they wish.

Reason:

To respond to the motion adopted by the Council on 13 April 2021.

Other options considered and rejected by the Executive:

1.     Carry out the actions detailed in the motion, in particular to send the letter proposed in Appendix 2 (with or without amendment) to various parties and engage with the local UBI lab

2.     Do nothing

Details of any conflict of interest declared by the Leader or lead councillors and any dispensation granted:

None.