Reducing the effects of a pandemic or similar crisis on poverty

Adopting a tax-free universal basic income could ensure that all citizens of all ages would have an ongoing financial support throughout their lives. This amount would have to be sufficient to cover basic costs and would not be means tested. Although expensive to any government, it would simplify the concept of supporting the vulnerable by de-stigmatising the role of the state in such matters. It would encourage poorer people to take on further education opportunities, mitigate against unemployment and long term health issues and remove the current conditionality imposed upon the unemployed poor and working poor. It would also encourage those entrepreneurs who do not have the luxury of being members of a super-rich family. I believe that this kind of intervention could help society move towards a more level status and restore trust in what looks and feels like a two tier country at present.