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plancommonsense.bsky.social
Common Sense Policy Group
@plancommonsense.bsky.social
180 followers 510 following 45 posts
The Common Sense Policy Group presents feasible, affordable and popular evidence-based policies that can form the programme for progressive government
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plancommonsense.bsky.social
Common Sense Policy Group @plancommonsense.bsky.social · 8d
🎙 New podcast with @richardjmurphy.bsky.social The Economic Case for UBI Just Got Stronger

Here we discuss our latest work on economic modelling, public investment, and the case for a #BasicIncome and why it can strengthen security and the economy.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=q1cx...
The Economic Case for UBI Just Got Stronger
YouTube video by Richard J Murphy
www.youtube.com
Reposted by Common Sense Policy Group
zackpolanski.bsky.social
Brilliant discussion.

Great explanations around why we need to tax passive wealth as much as productive income.

youtu.be/q1cx921XUwU?...
The Economic Case for UBI Just Got Stronger
YouTube video by Richard J Murphy
youtu.be
January 15, 2026 at 5:54 PM
plancommonsense.bsky.social
Matthew Johnson’s @fivebooks.com interview just topped @scottsantens.com “Top 10 UBI Articles of 2025” and for good reason! It weaves together the philosophical, economic, and political case for a #BasicIncome scottsantens.substack.com?utm_source=n...

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
January 16, 2026 at 11:05 AM
plancommonsense.bsky.social
🎙 New podcast with @richardjmurphy.bsky.social The Economic Case for UBI Just Got Stronger

Here we discuss our latest work on economic modelling, public investment, and the case for a #BasicIncome and why it can strengthen security and the economy.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=q1cx...
The Economic Case for UBI Just Got Stronger
YouTube video by Richard J Murphy
www.youtube.com
January 14, 2026 at 2:30 PM
Reposted by Common Sense Policy Group
richardjmurphy.bsky.social
The Economic Case for UBI Just Got Stronger youtu.be/q1cx921XUwU?...
The Economic Case for UBI Just Got Stronger
YouTube video by Richard J Murphy
youtu.be
January 14, 2026 at 7:14 AM
plancommonsense.bsky.social
What would real economic security mean for you in 2026? Stable wages, affordable housing, the freedom to plan ahead? Our research shows how fragile the UK's social safety net is commonsense.northumbria.ac.uk/act-now/a-so...

What does economic security look like for you?

#BasicIncome #WelfareReform
A collage-style artwork combining photos and graphics about social security. At the top, a red arc reads “Social security for work family and community.” Below it are layered images: a child covering their eyes, a pointing hand, a Jobcentre Plus sign, and a Universal Credit notice about advance payments. Abstract lines and circles connect the elements, with a grey box in the centre that says “We are connected.” The overall design highlights themes of community, welfare, and the UK social safety net
January 13, 2026 at 11:21 AM
plancommonsense.bsky.social
MPs return to Parliament this week. Will 2026 bring real change?

We believe the priorities should be:
✅ Tackle the cost of living crisis
✅ Provide a social safety net that protects everyone
✅ Build a new economy on public investment

Our vision: commonsense.northumbria.ac.uk/act-now/
A colourful political collage featuring protest scenes, government buildings, and a map of the United Kingdom. Ribbons labelled “Representative,” “Co‑operative,” “Connected,” “Devolved,” and “Responsive” run across the top. In the centre, large text reads “Government for us not just them.” People hold signs with messages such as “Cooperative solutions now,” “Invest don’t punish,” “Not my government,” and “Free the regions.” The composition mixes photographs and illustrations in bright, layered colours.
January 5, 2026 at 4:12 PM
plancommonsense.bsky.social
🚨 NEW REPORT: Basic Income for Net Zero: Trade Union Perspectives

With @ubilabnetwork.bsky.social we interviewed union officers on #BasicIncome. Amid pay crises & job cuts, unions see the potential of #BasicIncome to support a green & just transition.

commonsense.northumbria.ac.uk/reports/basi...
Front cover page for Basic Income for Net Zero: Trade Union Perspectives
January 5, 2026 at 3:11 PM
Reposted by Common Sense Policy Group
ubilabnetwork.bsky.social
With @plancommonsense.bsky.social
we have published a report on Basic Income for Net Zero: Trade Union Perspectives

This report is built on interviews with trade union officers and general secretaries. It was a pleasure to have these discussions
commonsense.northumbria.ac.uk/reports/basi...
Basic Income for Net Zero - Common Sense Policy Group
Basic Income for Net Zero: Trade Union Perspectives Download ‘Basic Income for Net Zero’ This report analyses engagement with UK […]
commonsense.northumbria.ac.uk
December 26, 2025 at 1:00 PM
plancommonsense.bsky.social
The November budget was a chance to break from failed treasury orthodoxy. Instead we got more tinkering around the edges of the status quo. Our analysis shows why short-term deficit reduction is holding us back.

Read our blog here commonsense.northumbria.ac.uk/budget-blues...

#NovemberBudget2025
Budget Blues The Sequel - Common Sense Policy Group
Budget Blues The Sequel Common Sense Policy Group published 3 December 2025 by Anna Frances Thew In June, the Common […]
commonsense.northumbria.ac.uk
December 4, 2025 at 10:17 AM
plancommonsense.bsky.social
Dr Elliott Johnson will speak tonight at @uniofstandrews.bsky.social Debating Society, arguing for a #BasicIncome to replace the UK welfare state. We’re thrilled to see Elliott bringing these important ideas to such a historic forum!

www.stadebates.com/event/1e4e24...

#StAndrews #WelfareReform
This House Supports Replacing the UK's Welfare State with UBI
www.stadebates.com
November 20, 2025 at 2:49 PM
plancommonsense.bsky.social
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-...
November 6, 2025 at 3:57 PM
Reposted by Common Sense Policy Group
simonduffy.bsky.social
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 …
Citizen Network members arriving at the House of Lords to share innovations, citizen actions and to ask why public policy is designed to make it difficult to be a citizen.
September 3, 2025 at 7:27 AM
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
September 29, 2025 at 11:52 AM
plancommonsense.bsky.social
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-...
September 25, 2025 at 11:13 AM
plancommonsense.bsky.social
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/...
September 25, 2025 at 10:49 AM
Reposted by Common Sense Policy Group
northumbriauni.bsky.social
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:
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
plancommonsense.bsky.social
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 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
Reposted by Common Sense Policy Group
bmj.com
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/...
September 4, 2025 at 4:11 PM
plancommonsense.bsky.social
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...
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
Reposted by Common Sense Policy Group
fivebooks.com
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
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
plancommonsense.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-...
August 11, 2025 at 11:38 AM
Reposted by Common Sense Policy Group
northumbriauni.bsky.social
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.
plancommonsense.bsky.social Common Sense Policy Group @plancommonsense.bsky.social · Jul 28
“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/...
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
plancommonsense.bsky.social
“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/...
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
plancommonsense.bsky.social
@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
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
plancommonsense.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
Neil Duncan-Jordan MP, Professor Kate Pickett, and Dr Elliott Johnson standing together holding a copy of “Basic Income: The Policy That Changes Everything” during the House of Commons event.
July 1, 2025 at 10:07 AM