A Citizen's Income is an automatic, unconditional and nonwithdrawable income for every citizen, paid for by reducing tax allowances and means-tested and contributory benefits.

A Citizen's Income scheme (sometimes called Basic Income or Universal Benefit) is intended to overcome the failings of the present welfare state. It would be simple in application, increase economic efficiency, help prevent poverty and unite our society.

The charitable trust, the Citizen's Income Trust, takes its name from the concept of a universal or basic income guaranteed to all citizens who are legal residents of this country. The organisation used to be called the Basic Income Research Group, which was formed in 1984 under the auspices of the National Council for Voluntary Organisations (NCVO), to research all aspects of reform along the lines of a Basic Income. The association with NCVO continued until 1987, when BIRG became independent. In 1989, BIRG became a registered charity (no. 328198) and in 1992, BIRG changed its name to the Citizen's Income Trust because social security reform is an important part of the wider debate about the nature of citizenship.

Address: Citizen's Income Trust, P.O. Box 26586, London SE3 7WY
E-mail: info@citizensincome.org Website: www.citizensincome.org.uk

2. Is CIT politically independent?

Yes. CIT is independent of all political parties and it is not a pressure group. Its aim is to promote debate about the feasibility and desirability of a Citizen's Income, not to campaign for one. The only organisation to which it is affiliated is the Basic Income European Network (BIEN), which it helped to found in 1986.

3. Where does the money come from to run CIT?

The Citizen's Income Trust is funded by subscriptions and donations from individuals and charitable trusts. A copy of the most recent audited accounts is available on request.

4. What does CIT do?

CIT's trustees, staff and subscribers pursue debate about the concept of Citizen's Income across a wide variety of institutions both here and abroad. It publishes a regular Newsletter and convenes working groups and publishes their reports. It holds conferences and seminars and sponsors regional activity. It publishes information leaflets and responds to requests for information. It maintains a library and has produced a short video explaining the idea of Citizen's Income.

5. Who manages Citizen's Income Trust ?

Ultimate responsibility lies with CIT's trustees, who appoint a director. CI also has a group of specialist advisers . The Trustees are: Anne Miller (chair), Philip Vince (secretary and treasurer), Jurgen de Wispelaere, Keith Dowding, Ruth Lister, Susan Raven, and Karl Widerquist.

The Director is Dr. Malcolm Torry

6. How can you participate?

In two ways. First by contributing financially, and second by encouraging debate through local organisations and the media.

We depend on the issue of Citizen's Income being popularised through individual contact with local organisations, trade unions and political bodies.

QUOTE: "The objects of the Trust are to advance public education about the national economic and social effects and influences of Basic Income Systems
( . . . which guarantee to each and every man, woman and child the unconditional right to an independent income)" (From the Citizen's Income Trust Deed.)