Common Sense Policy Group
@plancommonsense.bsky.social
The Common Sense Policy Group presents feasible, affordable and popular evidence-based policies that can form the programme for progressive government
Pinned
Welfare system is a key public health measure
UK approach needs reconsideration to improve inequalities
Health, and health inequalities, are almost universally recognised to have substantial social determinants.12 Although the Conservative gover...
www.bmj.com
The CSPG @northumbriauni.bsky.social has published a @bmj.com editorial ‘welfare system is a key public health measure’.
Welfare cuts have worsened #HealthInequalities. A modest #BasicIncome could improve #health and reduce #poverty and #inequality rates in the UK.
📖 www.bmj.com/content/390/...
Welfare cuts have worsened #HealthInequalities. A modest #BasicIncome could improve #health and reduce #poverty and #inequality rates in the UK.
📖 www.bmj.com/content/390/...
Huge thanks to Tony Hawks for sharing a copy of Basic Income: The Policy That Changes Everything with the brilliant satirist Rory Bremner, who’s keen to explore our ideas!
Find out more about the book here - policy.bristoluniversitypress.co.uk/trade/basic-...
Find out more about the book here - policy.bristoluniversitypress.co.uk/trade/basic-...
November 6, 2025 at 3:57 PM
Huge thanks to Tony Hawks for sharing a copy of Basic Income: The Policy That Changes Everything with the brilliant satirist Rory Bremner, who’s keen to explore our ideas!
Find out more about the book here - policy.bristoluniversitypress.co.uk/trade/basic-...
Find out more about the book here - policy.bristoluniversitypress.co.uk/trade/basic-...
Reposted by Common Sense Policy Group
Yesterday @citizennetwork.bsky.social hit Parliament.
Thanks to @nataliegreenpeer.bsky.social and Baroness Hollins for hosting us.
And guests @compassoffice.bsky.social @disrightsuk.bsky.social @learningdiseng.bsky.social @jrf-uk.bsky.social @carefull.bsky.social @plancommonsense.bsky.social …
Thanks to @nataliegreenpeer.bsky.social and Baroness Hollins for hosting us.
And guests @compassoffice.bsky.social @disrightsuk.bsky.social @learningdiseng.bsky.social @jrf-uk.bsky.social @carefull.bsky.social @plancommonsense.bsky.social …
September 3, 2025 at 7:27 AM
Yesterday @citizennetwork.bsky.social hit Parliament.
Thanks to @nataliegreenpeer.bsky.social and Baroness Hollins for hosting us.
And guests @compassoffice.bsky.social @disrightsuk.bsky.social @learningdiseng.bsky.social @jrf-uk.bsky.social @carefull.bsky.social @plancommonsense.bsky.social …
Thanks to @nataliegreenpeer.bsky.social and Baroness Hollins for hosting us.
And guests @compassoffice.bsky.social @disrightsuk.bsky.social @learningdiseng.bsky.social @jrf-uk.bsky.social @carefull.bsky.social @plancommonsense.bsky.social …
Act Now is front and centre at the @waterstones.bsky.social shop at the @labouruk.bsky.social Party Conference! Stacks of copies on the main table and signed editions available thanks to @profkepickett.bsky.social! Don't miss your chance to grab one!
#LabourPartyConference #Lab25 #CommonSense
#LabourPartyConference #Lab25 #CommonSense
September 29, 2025 at 11:52 AM
Act Now is front and centre at the @waterstones.bsky.social shop at the @labouruk.bsky.social Party Conference! Stacks of copies on the main table and signed editions available thanks to @profkepickett.bsky.social! Don't miss your chance to grab one!
#LabourPartyConference #Lab25 #CommonSense
#LabourPartyConference #Lab25 #CommonSense
Advocate for radical wealth and social security reform, Tony 'The Fridgeman' Hawks, delivering our book 'Basic Income: The Policy That Changes Everything' to @resfoundation.bsky.social with a request to talk change.
Thanks very much Tony!
policy.bristoluniversitypress.co.uk/trade/basic-...
Thanks very much Tony!
policy.bristoluniversitypress.co.uk/trade/basic-...
September 25, 2025 at 11:13 AM
Advocate for radical wealth and social security reform, Tony 'The Fridgeman' Hawks, delivering our book 'Basic Income: The Policy That Changes Everything' to @resfoundation.bsky.social with a request to talk change.
Thanks very much Tony!
policy.bristoluniversitypress.co.uk/trade/basic-...
Thanks very much Tony!
policy.bristoluniversitypress.co.uk/trade/basic-...
Dr Elliott Johnson joined Clare Foges on @lbc.co.uk, cutting through the noise on welfare and health. Tighter eligibility and harsher conditionality harm health, discourage work and reduce the chances of finding meaningful employment.
🎧 Listen from 01:11:28: www.globalplayer.com/catchup/lbc/...
🎧 Listen from 01:11:28: www.globalplayer.com/catchup/lbc/...
September 25, 2025 at 10:49 AM
Dr Elliott Johnson joined Clare Foges on @lbc.co.uk, cutting through the noise on welfare and health. Tighter eligibility and harsher conditionality harm health, discourage work and reduce the chances of finding meaningful employment.
🎧 Listen from 01:11:28: www.globalplayer.com/catchup/lbc/...
🎧 Listen from 01:11:28: www.globalplayer.com/catchup/lbc/...
Reposted by Common Sense Policy Group
Public policy experts examining the case for transformative welfare policy and the impact on public health outcomes have outlined their research in a new editorial published by The British Medical Journal – known as @bmj.com
@plancommonsense.bsky.social
#BasicIncome
📰Discover more:
@plancommonsense.bsky.social
#BasicIncome
📰Discover more:
Researchers make their case for Basic Income in the BMJ
Public policy experts examining the case for transformative welfare policy and the impact on public health outcomes have outlined their research in a new editorial published by The British Medical Jou...
www.northumbria.ac.uk
September 9, 2025 at 2:34 PM
Public policy experts examining the case for transformative welfare policy and the impact on public health outcomes have outlined their research in a new editorial published by The British Medical Journal – known as @bmj.com
@plancommonsense.bsky.social
#BasicIncome
📰Discover more:
@plancommonsense.bsky.social
#BasicIncome
📰Discover more:
The CSPG @northumbriauni.bsky.social has published a @bmj.com editorial ‘welfare system is a key public health measure’.
Welfare cuts have worsened #HealthInequalities. A modest #BasicIncome could improve #health and reduce #poverty and #inequality rates in the UK.
📖 www.bmj.com/content/390/...
Welfare cuts have worsened #HealthInequalities. A modest #BasicIncome could improve #health and reduce #poverty and #inequality rates in the UK.
📖 www.bmj.com/content/390/...
Welfare system is a key public health measure
UK approach needs reconsideration to improve inequalities
Health, and health inequalities, are almost universally recognised to have substantial social determinants.12 Although the Conservative gover...
www.bmj.com
September 8, 2025 at 10:38 AM
The CSPG @northumbriauni.bsky.social has published a @bmj.com editorial ‘welfare system is a key public health measure’.
Welfare cuts have worsened #HealthInequalities. A modest #BasicIncome could improve #health and reduce #poverty and #inequality rates in the UK.
📖 www.bmj.com/content/390/...
Welfare cuts have worsened #HealthInequalities. A modest #BasicIncome could improve #health and reduce #poverty and #inequality rates in the UK.
📖 www.bmj.com/content/390/...
Reposted by Common Sense Policy Group
Austerity measures to reduce access to and generosity of working age, disability, and childhood benefits have failed to increase growth or curtail rising debt — but have contributed to widening health inequalities, @plancommonsense.bsky.social
www.bmj.com/content/390/...
www.bmj.com/content/390/...
September 4, 2025 at 4:11 PM
Austerity measures to reduce access to and generosity of working age, disability, and childhood benefits have failed to increase growth or curtail rising debt — but have contributed to widening health inequalities, @plancommonsense.bsky.social
www.bmj.com/content/390/...
www.bmj.com/content/390/...
Professor Matthew Johnson shares @fivebooks.com that explore the philosophy, politics and urgency of a #BasicIncome - from Marx to Hayek and Guy Standing.
Read the full interview to discover why #BasicIncome really is the policy that changes everything! fivebooks.com/best-books/u...
Read the full interview to discover why #BasicIncome really is the policy that changes everything! fivebooks.com/best-books/u...
Universal Basic Income
Is basic income a viable policy that changes everything? Matthew Johnson, Professor of Public Policy at Northumbria University, and other members of the 'Common Sense Policy Group' think so. He introd...
fivebooks.com
August 28, 2025 at 10:37 AM
Professor Matthew Johnson shares @fivebooks.com that explore the philosophy, politics and urgency of a #BasicIncome - from Marx to Hayek and Guy Standing.
Read the full interview to discover why #BasicIncome really is the policy that changes everything! fivebooks.com/best-books/u...
Read the full interview to discover why #BasicIncome really is the policy that changes everything! fivebooks.com/best-books/u...
Reposted by Common Sense Policy Group
NEW: "There is no alternative" Matthew Johnson, Professor of Public Policy @northumbriauni.bsky.social, chair @plancommonsense.bsky.social, makes the case for basic income:
fivebooks.com/best-books/u...
#BasicIncome #UBI cc @brisunipress.bsky.social
fivebooks.com/best-books/u...
#BasicIncome #UBI cc @brisunipress.bsky.social
Universal Basic Income
Is basic income a viable policy that changes everything? Matthew Johnson, Professor of Public Policy at Northumbria University, and other members of the 'Common Sense Policy Group' think so. He…
fivebooks.com
August 27, 2025 at 3:30 PM
NEW: "There is no alternative" Matthew Johnson, Professor of Public Policy @northumbriauni.bsky.social, chair @plancommonsense.bsky.social, makes the case for basic income:
fivebooks.com/best-books/u...
#BasicIncome #UBI cc @brisunipress.bsky.social
fivebooks.com/best-books/u...
#BasicIncome #UBI cc @brisunipress.bsky.social
"Basic income is bold but necessary”
Dr @ianrobsons.bsky.social, a community development worker with 30+ years in working-class communities shares how #BasicIncome could transform people's lives in Blyth, Northumberland.
📖 Basic Income OUT NOW: policy.bristoluniversitypress.co.uk/trade/basic-...
Dr @ianrobsons.bsky.social, a community development worker with 30+ years in working-class communities shares how #BasicIncome could transform people's lives in Blyth, Northumberland.
📖 Basic Income OUT NOW: policy.bristoluniversitypress.co.uk/trade/basic-...
August 11, 2025 at 11:38 AM
"Basic income is bold but necessary”
Dr @ianrobsons.bsky.social, a community development worker with 30+ years in working-class communities shares how #BasicIncome could transform people's lives in Blyth, Northumberland.
📖 Basic Income OUT NOW: policy.bristoluniversitypress.co.uk/trade/basic-...
Dr @ianrobsons.bsky.social, a community development worker with 30+ years in working-class communities shares how #BasicIncome could transform people's lives in Blyth, Northumberland.
📖 Basic Income OUT NOW: policy.bristoluniversitypress.co.uk/trade/basic-...
Reposted by Common Sense Policy Group
Great interview with Northumbria's Dr Elliott Johnson on @lbc.co.uk radio, as he discusses the research of the Common Sense Policy Group into the benefits of basic income.
“Really thought provoking” – Natasha Devon
Dr Elliott Johnson joined @lbc.co.uk to discuss the transformative power of a #BasicIncome to enhance public health, increase financial security, and empower people across the income distribution.
Listen from 02:10:11 www.globalplayer.com/catchup/lbc/...
Dr Elliott Johnson joined @lbc.co.uk to discuss the transformative power of a #BasicIncome to enhance public health, increase financial security, and empower people across the income distribution.
Listen from 02:10:11 www.globalplayer.com/catchup/lbc/...
Natasha Devon on LBC UK - Catch Up | Global Player
Catch up on the last 7 days of shows from Natasha Devon on LBC UK
www.globalplayer.com
July 28, 2025 at 11:36 AM
Great interview with Northumbria's Dr Elliott Johnson on @lbc.co.uk radio, as he discusses the research of the Common Sense Policy Group into the benefits of basic income.
“Really thought provoking” – Natasha Devon
Dr Elliott Johnson joined @lbc.co.uk to discuss the transformative power of a #BasicIncome to enhance public health, increase financial security, and empower people across the income distribution.
Listen from 02:10:11 www.globalplayer.com/catchup/lbc/...
Dr Elliott Johnson joined @lbc.co.uk to discuss the transformative power of a #BasicIncome to enhance public health, increase financial security, and empower people across the income distribution.
Listen from 02:10:11 www.globalplayer.com/catchup/lbc/...
Natasha Devon on LBC UK - Catch Up | Global Player
Catch up on the last 7 days of shows from Natasha Devon on LBC UK
www.globalplayer.com
July 28, 2025 at 9:58 AM
“Really thought provoking” – Natasha Devon
Dr Elliott Johnson joined @lbc.co.uk to discuss the transformative power of a #BasicIncome to enhance public health, increase financial security, and empower people across the income distribution.
Listen from 02:10:11 www.globalplayer.com/catchup/lbc/...
Dr Elliott Johnson joined @lbc.co.uk to discuss the transformative power of a #BasicIncome to enhance public health, increase financial security, and empower people across the income distribution.
Listen from 02:10:11 www.globalplayer.com/catchup/lbc/...
@profkepickett.bsky.social spoke at Claim the Future’s conference, spotlighting CSPG’s work on #BasicIncome
“A universal, predictable income could give everyone a stable foundation, reducing financial stress and opening up opportunities.”
labourhub.org.uk/2025/07/22/p... @labour-hub.bsky.social
“A universal, predictable income could give everyone a stable foundation, reducing financial stress and opening up opportunities.”
labourhub.org.uk/2025/07/22/p... @labour-hub.bsky.social
Poverty can be tackled
Saturday’s Labour in Government: one year on Conference, organised by Claim the Future, drew a packed attendance. Below we reproduce a presentation by Professor Kate Pickett. We…
labourhub.org.uk
July 22, 2025 at 1:49 PM
@profkepickett.bsky.social spoke at Claim the Future’s conference, spotlighting CSPG’s work on #BasicIncome
“A universal, predictable income could give everyone a stable foundation, reducing financial stress and opening up opportunities.”
labourhub.org.uk/2025/07/22/p... @labour-hub.bsky.social
“A universal, predictable income could give everyone a stable foundation, reducing financial stress and opening up opportunities.”
labourhub.org.uk/2025/07/22/p... @labour-hub.bsky.social
On 24 June we held a drop-in at the House of Commons hosted by @neilduncanjordan.bsky.social MP. @profkepickett.bsky.social and Dr Elliott Johnson discussed income security and the economic harms of the proposed welfare cuts.
#BasicIncome #WelfareReformBill #HouseOfCommons #CommonSense
#BasicIncome #WelfareReformBill #HouseOfCommons #CommonSense
July 1, 2025 at 10:07 AM
On 24 June we held a drop-in at the House of Commons hosted by @neilduncanjordan.bsky.social MP. @profkepickett.bsky.social and Dr Elliott Johnson discussed income security and the economic harms of the proposed welfare cuts.
#BasicIncome #WelfareReformBill #HouseOfCommons #CommonSense
#BasicIncome #WelfareReformBill #HouseOfCommons #CommonSense
Dr Elliott Johnson on @listentotimesradio.bsky.social with Rod Liddle, discussing how #EconomicInsecurity is reshaping political preference across class lines and the implications of this shift
🎧 Listen from 2:05:00: www.thetimes.com/radio/show/2...
#CommonSense #VoterBehaviour #WelfareReform
🎧 Listen from 2:05:00: www.thetimes.com/radio/show/2...
#CommonSense #VoterBehaviour #WelfareReform
Rod Liddle | Times Radio | The Times and the Sunday Times
Listen to Times Radio live for the latest breaking news, expert analysis and well-informed discussion covering the biggest stories of the day.
www.thetimes.com
June 30, 2025 at 10:42 AM
Dr Elliott Johnson on @listentotimesradio.bsky.social with Rod Liddle, discussing how #EconomicInsecurity is reshaping political preference across class lines and the implications of this shift
🎧 Listen from 2:05:00: www.thetimes.com/radio/show/2...
#CommonSense #VoterBehaviour #WelfareReform
🎧 Listen from 2:05:00: www.thetimes.com/radio/show/2...
#CommonSense #VoterBehaviour #WelfareReform
Dr Elliott Johnson, speaking to @londonassembly.bsky.social last week, backed basic income as the most effective way to tackle disincentives and address the health, crime and social harm driven by income insecurity.
Watch more:
webcasts.london.gov.uk/Assembly/Eve...
#BasicIncome #AssemblyEconomy
Watch more:
webcasts.london.gov.uk/Assembly/Eve...
#BasicIncome #AssemblyEconomy
June 30, 2025 at 8:28 AM
Dr Elliott Johnson, speaking to @londonassembly.bsky.social last week, backed basic income as the most effective way to tackle disincentives and address the health, crime and social harm driven by income insecurity.
Watch more:
webcasts.london.gov.uk/Assembly/Eve...
#BasicIncome #AssemblyEconomy
Watch more:
webcasts.london.gov.uk/Assembly/Eve...
#BasicIncome #AssemblyEconomy
New welfare changes are unfair, worsen incentives, and deliver no savings. Flawed fiscal rules can’t justify damaging cuts or regressive policy. We challenge both the policy and the thinking behind it.
commonsense.northumbria.ac.uk/reports/spen...
#CommonSense #BasicIncome #WelfareReformBill
commonsense.northumbria.ac.uk/reports/spen...
#CommonSense #BasicIncome #WelfareReformBill
June 27, 2025 at 11:20 AM
New welfare changes are unfair, worsen incentives, and deliver no savings. Flawed fiscal rules can’t justify damaging cuts or regressive policy. We challenge both the policy and the thinking behind it.
commonsense.northumbria.ac.uk/reports/spen...
#CommonSense #BasicIncome #WelfareReformBill
commonsense.northumbria.ac.uk/reports/spen...
#CommonSense #BasicIncome #WelfareReformBill
🚨NEW REPORT🚨
We challenge the flawed assumptions behind the UK Government’s fiscal strategy, exposing the long-term economic damage caused by sustained spending cuts and regressive welfare policies.
Read the full report here: commonsense.northumbria.ac.uk/reports/spen...
#CommonSense #BasicIncome
We challenge the flawed assumptions behind the UK Government’s fiscal strategy, exposing the long-term economic damage caused by sustained spending cuts and regressive welfare policies.
Read the full report here: commonsense.northumbria.ac.uk/reports/spen...
#CommonSense #BasicIncome
June 25, 2025 at 3:36 PM
🚨NEW REPORT🚨
We challenge the flawed assumptions behind the UK Government’s fiscal strategy, exposing the long-term economic damage caused by sustained spending cuts and regressive welfare policies.
Read the full report here: commonsense.northumbria.ac.uk/reports/spen...
#CommonSense #BasicIncome
We challenge the flawed assumptions behind the UK Government’s fiscal strategy, exposing the long-term economic damage caused by sustained spending cuts and regressive welfare policies.
Read the full report here: commonsense.northumbria.ac.uk/reports/spen...
#CommonSense #BasicIncome
CSPG's Epidemiology Lead @profkepickett.bsky.social in @theguardian.com making the case for Basic Income as a powerful upstream intervention to reduce pressure on the NHS and improve population health in the poorest areas.
Read more: www.theguardian.com/society/2025...
#CommonSense #BasicIncome
Read more: www.theguardian.com/society/2025...
#CommonSense #BasicIncome
Poorest parts of England to get £2.2bn more for NHS to cut care inequalities
Deprived and coastal areas to get extra cash this year for staff and resources in effort to improve health outcomes
www.theguardian.com
June 25, 2025 at 3:18 PM
CSPG's Epidemiology Lead @profkepickett.bsky.social in @theguardian.com making the case for Basic Income as a powerful upstream intervention to reduce pressure on the NHS and improve population health in the poorest areas.
Read more: www.theguardian.com/society/2025...
#CommonSense #BasicIncome
Read more: www.theguardian.com/society/2025...
#CommonSense #BasicIncome
Reposted by Common Sense Policy Group
#AssemblyEconomy will meet tomorrow to understand the benefits and drawbacks associated with a Universal Basic Income (UBI) – payments made to all people without a means test or work requirement. www.london.gov.uk/who-we-are/w...
June 24, 2025 at 8:12 AM
#AssemblyEconomy will meet tomorrow to understand the benefits and drawbacks associated with a Universal Basic Income (UBI) – payments made to all people without a means test or work requirement. www.london.gov.uk/who-we-are/w...
Reposted by Common Sense Policy Group
What are the pros and cons of a Universal Basic Income in London? Tune in to the #AssemblyEconomy meeting from 10am to find out: webcasts.london.gov.uk/Assembly
June 25, 2025 at 8:02 AM
What are the pros and cons of a Universal Basic Income in London? Tune in to the #AssemblyEconomy meeting from 10am to find out: webcasts.london.gov.uk/Assembly
Reposted by Common Sense Policy Group
Upcoming event for #IndependentBookshopWeek!
Basic income can no longer be dismissed as a utopian idea — it’s being tested worldwide. But can it truly transform economies and societies?
📅Fri, 20 June, 7:00 PM: buff.ly/hJcvPU6
Basic income can no longer be dismissed as a utopian idea — it’s being tested worldwide. But can it truly transform economies and societies?
📅Fri, 20 June, 7:00 PM: buff.ly/hJcvPU6
June 14, 2025 at 2:52 PM
Upcoming event for #IndependentBookshopWeek!
Basic income can no longer be dismissed as a utopian idea — it’s being tested worldwide. But can it truly transform economies and societies?
📅Fri, 20 June, 7:00 PM: buff.ly/hJcvPU6
Basic income can no longer be dismissed as a utopian idea — it’s being tested worldwide. But can it truly transform economies and societies?
📅Fri, 20 June, 7:00 PM: buff.ly/hJcvPU6
Reposted by Common Sense Policy Group
@richardmskemp.bsky.social talks with Howard Reed and Elliott Johnson about the reality of #BasicIncome in this episode of the Transforming Society podcast: @plancommonsense.bsky.social buff.ly/xp5P3B3
PODCAST: Is basic income the answer to our age of crisis? - Transforming Society
In this episode, Richard Kemp talks with Howard Reed and Elliott Johnson about the reality of basic income.
www.transformingsociety.co.uk
June 14, 2025 at 9:53 AM
@richardmskemp.bsky.social talks with Howard Reed and Elliott Johnson about the reality of #BasicIncome in this episode of the Transforming Society podcast: @plancommonsense.bsky.social buff.ly/xp5P3B3
Reposted by Common Sense Policy Group
📘 Basic Income: The Policy That Changes Everything.
Join Kate Pickett for a talk & Q&A to celebrate the launch of the new Policy Press book 'Basic Income'.
📅 Wed 16 July | 7–8:30 PM
📍 Five Leaves Bookshop, Nottingham
🔗
Join Kate Pickett for a talk & Q&A to celebrate the launch of the new Policy Press book 'Basic Income'.
📅 Wed 16 July | 7–8:30 PM
📍 Five Leaves Bookshop, Nottingham
🔗
Basic Income: The Policy That Changes Everything, talk and Q&A with Kate Pickett – Five Leaves Bookshop
Nottingham’s independent bookshop | 14a Long Row, Nottingham NG1 2DH | 0115 8373097
buff.ly
June 6, 2025 at 2:08 PM
📘 Basic Income: The Policy That Changes Everything.
Join Kate Pickett for a talk & Q&A to celebrate the launch of the new Policy Press book 'Basic Income'.
📅 Wed 16 July | 7–8:30 PM
📍 Five Leaves Bookshop, Nottingham
🔗
Join Kate Pickett for a talk & Q&A to celebrate the launch of the new Policy Press book 'Basic Income'.
📅 Wed 16 July | 7–8:30 PM
📍 Five Leaves Bookshop, Nottingham
🔗