People in England could be given £1,600 a month each in a trial of the Universal Basic Income (UBI) system. The two-year pilot would trial a system that sees everyone given money by the state, regardless of their needs or income.
A trial will be held with 30 people from the north east of England and north London. Researchers from Autonomy are now looking for financial backing for the project to "make the case for a national basic income and more comprehensive trials to fully understand the potential of a basic income in the UK".
Cleo Goodman, the co-founder of Basic Income Conversation, a programme run by Autonomy, said: "No one should ever be facing poverty, having to choose between heating and eating, in one of the wealthiest countries in the world."
Will Stronge, director of research at Autonomy, said: "All the evidence shows that [a UBI] would directly alleviate poverty and boost millions of people's wellbeing: the potential benefits are just too large to ignore."
Autonomy's trial is being supported by charity Big Local and Northumbria University, reports the BBC.
Anyone from the areas is able to put themselves forward to take part and can remain anonymous. Participants will be drawn randomly. but 20% of people taking part will have disabilities.
The project will cost a little over £1.6million.
Last year, the Welsh government announced a £20m experiment offering a universal basic income to young people leaving care.
The plan would give £1,600 a month before tax to 500 care leavers. The scheme is ongoing.
