Can a basic income help address homelessness? A Titmussian perspective

Abstract

Homelessness is a worsening problem across the developed world and existing policy responses are failing to have an impact. This article considers whether a basic income (BI) can play a role in radically overhauling prevailing homelessness policy and interventions. Drawing on Richard Titmuss’ classical arguments about the value of universalist welfare, I argue that a BI can play a role, but only as part of a suite of universalist measures that includes large-scale social housing investment and rent controls. I highlight how a BI can help address the ‘income side’ of the housing affordability problem driving homelessness, but must be coupled with other measures that address housing cost and supply. I also consider how a BI can reduce stigma arising from targeted homelessness measures. I conclude by arguing that addressing homelessness requires us to transform the logic of welfare provision and that a BI can help do this.