Manifesto 1.0 proposes the introduction of a Universal Standard Income (USI) — a simple, predictable income available to every adult aged 21 and over, subject to a participation requirement or an accepted exemption.
The purpose is not to create a society in which people are paid simply for existing. The purpose is to establish a basic economic foundation from which people can work, study, train, care for others, build businesses and participate in society without being trapped by financial insecurity.
Every adult should have a reliable economic foundation, while society should retain a clear expectation of participation wherever a person is able to participate.
The USI would be introduced progressively rather than attempting to reach its full long-term level immediately.
The proposed year-ten benchmark corresponds with the Personal Allowance used in the manifesto's 2026–27 framework.
The proposal links the receipt of USI to participation in society for adults who are able to participate.
The standard requirement would be an average of approximately 16 hours per week, calculated over the year.
Qualifying participation could include:
The system would also recognise circumstances in which participation is not reasonable or possible, including disability, caring responsibilities and temporary incapacity.
The proposal is intended to address a fundamental weakness in the current economic settlement: too many people can work, contribute and still remain financially vulnerable.
USI is intended to provide greater predictability while simplifying the relationship between work, taxation and income support.
It would also create a platform from which other reforms in Manifesto 1.0 can operate, including changes to income taxation, National Insurance and employment incentives.
The proposal does not exist in isolation.
Manifesto 1.0 proposes abolishing employee National Insurance and replacing it with a single progressive income tax system.
The manifesto also proposes that the existing Personal Allowance would be reduced by the value of the USI. At the proposed year-ten USI level of £12,570, the ordinary Personal Allowance would therefore become £0.
The intention is to create a simpler and more transparent relationship between income, taxation and the basic income floor.
This proposal is not presented as a claim that every detail has already been solved. It is a framework for public examination.
The central question is whether Britain could build a system in which economic security, participation and opportunity reinforce one another rather than working against one another.
The figures and mechanisms should therefore be tested, challenged and refined through public debate.
After the first ten years, the manifesto proposes that USI should increase according to a statutory index combining inflation and economic growth, subject to fiscal sustainability rules.
The underlying principle is straightforward:
Could Britain build a simpler economic settlement in which people have a secure foundation, work remains worthwhile, participation is expected, and opportunity is expanded rather than restricted by insecurity?
Manifesto 1.0 argues that the answer is worth investigating.
Read. Question. Debate. Contribute.
This is Proposal 01 of Manifesto 1.0 — A New Settlement for Britain.