Universal Basic Services: Theory and Practice

Social Prosperity Food Health Public Services Work Europe

This is the second report of the Institute for Global Prosperity's Social Prosperity Knowledge Network charged with developing innovative ideas upon which to build a sustainable welfare state that meets the specific challenges of the 21st Century.

This report explores the hypothesis that strengthening and extending universal services is an effective way of tackling poverty and improving wellbeing for all. It draws on academic literature including conceptual thinking, political and economic analysis, case studies and evaluations, as well as some ‘grey literature’ and factual reportage. The main focus is on the UK, but there are implications for – and lessons to be learned from - other countries. It builds on earlier work by the Institute of Global Prosperity, summarised in the 2017 report, Social Prosperity for the Future: a proposal for Universal Basic Services.

Ubs report online