Is universal basic income a good idea? This is Money podcast

Universal basic income is a controversial idea and not just because it’s money for nothing.

Paying everyone a set amount every month as a baseline level of income has intrigued economists and central bank geeks for years.

Supporters say it has the power to improve physical and mental health and the economy and society, but critics say it’s the start of a slippery slope to state dependency and control.

A new proposed trial for 30 people in the UK to get £1,600 a month has put the topic back on the agenda.

So is universal basic income a good or bad idea? Georgie Frost, Lee Boyce and Simon Lambert discuss it on this podcast episode.

Also on this week’s show:

Why aren’t our energy bills lower if wholesale prices have plummeted? The team look at the complicated relationship between prices, hedging, other costs… and the question of whether we are just being ripped off?

Plus, rates have rocketed in a mini-inflation panic, so what can you do if you are caught in the mortgage storm and will it ease?

And finally, which UK shares have done best and worst this year and what does that tell us about the investing landscape?