POVERTY in Wales could be halved if the Welsh government established a universal basic income (UBI) system in the country, a major study has claimed.

The research carried out by the think tank Autonomy suggests that UBI could decrease overall poverty rates in Wales by 50 per cent and child poverty by 64 per cent, bringing it to a rate of under 10 per cent in Wales.

It also found nearly three quarters of people in Wales, 69 per cent, support piloting UBI.

Under UBI, every citizen would regularly receive a set amount of money regardless of their employment status — a minimum payment designed to meet basic needs paid to everyone individually without conditions.

Director of research at Autonomy Will Stronge said: “The Covid-19 pandemic necessitates radical and bold changes to support people through future economic shocks.

“As the economy and labour market struggles to find its feet, it’s clear that guaranteeing an income floor for all is the most progressive way of securing livelihoods.”