The Labour Government’s first ten months in office have been marked by missteps and missed opportunities. From controversial announcements on Winter Fuel Allowance and National Insurance contributions to a lack of bold vision, the government has struggled to meet the expectations of a public hungry for change. Yet, as the article argues, Labour still has time to recover—if it embraces radical welfare reform.
The UK’s welfare state is in crisis. Homelessness, NHS waiting lists, and educational inequality have reached record levels. Universal Credit, once touted as a simplification of the benefits system, now exemplifies the inadequacies of a neoliberal welfare model. With 6.4 million recipients—many of whom are working—the system fails to lift people out of poverty. Child poverty continues to rise, and food banks have become a “safety-net for the safety-net.”
Labour’s majority in Parliament offers a rare chance to reimagine welfare. The article calls for a shift from means-testing to universalism, starting with free childcare and a universal state pension. These policies would not only reduce poverty but also empower women, support families, and improve employment outcomes—mirroring successful Nordic models.
Central to the proposed reform is the gradual introduction of Universal Basic Income (UBI). The article presents compelling evidence that UBI could alleviate poverty, simplify bureaucracy, and enhance well-being. It argues that UBI is not only feasible but also affordable, with a net cost of just 2.4% of GDP—less than the current cost of poverty to public services.
Funding these reforms requires bold tax changes. Our argument in this article advocates taxing wealth generated by automation and AI, raising income tax thresholds, and introducing progressive environmental and property taxes. These measures would shift the burden from workers to the wealthy, particularly those profiting from technological advances.
Public attitudes are shifting. Despite record tax burdens, support for increased spending on the NHS and welfare is growing. Labour must seize this moment to act decisively. The article warns that caution and incrementalism will not suffice in the face of mounting social challenges and economic inequality.
In conclusion, while Labour’s start has been disappointing, the opportunity for transformative welfare reform remains. By embracing universalism, introducing UBI, and implementing progressive taxation, Labour can build a welfare state fit for the 21st century—one that not only addresses poverty but also sets a global example. The time to act is now.
This long-form blog is based on a chapter written for an edited book: Diversity and Welfare. Original citation: Dr Hefin Gwilym, Dr Edward Jones Dr David Beck (Salford University). Neoliberalism, division and austerity: precarity and hunger in the UK.
The blog is part of Dr Dave Beck (ThatSociologist) series of blogs.
Over this mini-series, the co-authors take a critical look at the first 12 months of the UK Labour Government. They argue that despite high hopes, the government has stumbled—particularly in the areas of social policy, and in its response to the growing threats posed by automation and AI-driven job displacement. They also explore how Labour can turn things around. Their central thesis is that innovative social welfare policies, such as a Universal Basic Income (UBI), could offer a bold and transformative path forward.
