The Social Prosperity Network explores Universal Basic Services as a potential policy that would provide the social capital people need to regain control and security in their lives, and place them on a path of prosperity. The Network has put together the first substantial exploration of the potential of Universal Basic Services in the UK. The report, co-authored by Professor Henrietta Moore, Co-Director of the Social Prosperity network Andrew Percy, and economists Jonathon Portes and Howard Reed, details how Universal Basic Services is a viable and affordable alternative to ideas such as Universal Basic Income.
Professor Henrietta Moore said: "If we are to increase cohesion, the sense that we are 'all in it together', we must act where we can have the greatest impact, and that is on the cost of basic living. Without radical new ideas that challenges the status quo, we face a future where the changing shape of our society and labour market leaves more and more people struggling simply to achieve the basics - let alone having the resources and mental capacity to allow themselves and their families to flourish."
Building on this work, in 2019 The Social Prosperity Network published a literature review of Universal Basic Services by Anna Coote, Pritika Kasliwal and Andrew Percy.
This report explores the hypothesis that strengthening and extending universal services is an effective way of tackling poverty and improving wellbeing for all. It draws on academic literature including conceptual thinking, political and economic analysis, case studies and evaluations, as well as some ‘grey literature’ and factual reportage. The main focus is on the UK, but there are implications for – and lessons to be learned from – other countries.