Living Wage

I read a book once (the title escapes me) which offered up the idea that every single person could be given a payment by the state by way of ‘Living Wage’. This would be a regular payment given without any need of ‘qualification’ aside from being alive. In a sense it would be in lieu of the freedom to adopt land because of our capitalist history, This ‘Living Wage’ would be enough to cover human need, ie food, shelter, clothing etc etc. and would be a person’s basic income in addition to any earnings they wished to pursue themselves on top. This of course would iron out the problem of means tested benefits – thereby freeing up enormous state resources both human and financial (as well as criminal justice & law enforcement resources). It would mean that every single person would have enough to cover their fundamental needs – thereby effectively blocking up the very real need that some people have to turn to criminal activity just to feed and clothes themselves and their families. Taking away the stress that many people currently feel/fear due to large financial shortfalls would also (in all likelihood) also alleviate the need for much (costly) medical intervention in their lives – also freeing up the State’s financial resources. There is much evidence to support the idea that an equal society is a happier, healthier and more prosperous one.