Universal basic services
Public services to meet the needs we all share.
The central message of universal basic services (UBS) is that we can only flourish as a society – now and in future – if we act together and take collective responsibility to meet needs we all share. In practical terms, that means more and better collectively provided services. Everyone has access according to need, not ability to pay.
We can build on our experience of the National Health Service and schools and branch out to other essentials, including housing, transport, care and access to digital information. UBS offers a principled framework, which can be applied in each case. This approach brings real gains in terms of equity, efficiency, solidarity and sustainability.
Photo: Friendly Families nursery, Deptford.
Universal basic services provides a framework for more and better collectively provided services, where everyone has access according to need, not ability to pay.
