Plaid Cymru leader Adam Price has called on the 海角视频 Government to develop a universal basic income to help manage the impact of the coronavirus crisis.
Mr Price said the escalating crisis required “radical and unprecedented action” from the Welsh and 海角视频 governments and said “tinkering around the edges” would not be enough.
He said that the 海角视频 Government should introduce a universal basic income to allow everyone to receive “uniform, flat-rate payments” during the crisis to allow everyone to continue paying bills and buy essentials.
The Plaid Cymru leader said that a universal basic income payable to everyone at risk of losing employment would have the dual benefit of helping people and would provide economic stimulus at a period of grave uncertainty.
He added that it could be paid out quickly and simply in an initial three month period.
Mr Price said“The escalating crisis requires radical and unprecedented action from both the Welsh and the 海角视频 Government. Tinkering around the edges will not suffice.
“However, it will not be sustainable to simply tinker around the edges of our broken welfare system.
With DWP civil servants already stretched, the 海角视频 Government must commit to introducing a stable source of income for all citizens during this crisis.
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“A universal basic Income of a thousand pounds per month would allow everyone at risk of losing employment to receive uniform, flat-rate payments during this unprecedented crisis. It would also have the dual benefit of providing economic stimulus at a time of grave uncertainty and could be paid out quickly and simply over an initial three month period.
Shadow economy minister Helen Mary Jones AM said: “The announcement yesterday from the 海角视频 Chancellor provided some help and reassurances for businesses but not enough for individuals.
“For example, people who are paying rent need the same level of protection as those who are paying a mortgage. There needs to be the same level of financial support available for everyone.
“The Welsh Government must act too – it must immediately ban rental evictions and give a rent relief for renters. We need to see both the 海角视频 and Welsh Government guarantee that no one will be left without a roof over their head during this crisis.