Tim Hazledine: Emeritus Professor of Economics at the University of Auckland on the

Benefits are on blast at the moment, but one professor thinks a universal basic income may be cheaper.  Data from the Ministry of Social Development shows that 109,000 kiwis on the Jobseeker benefit have received it for at least a year.  Tim Hazledine, Emeritus Professor of Economics at the University of Auckland, suggests we scrap the welfare system altogether, replacing it with a universal basic income.  He told Kerre Woodham that currently, the amount the government spends on various social handouts and programmes is more than what a universal income of $300 a week would cost.  He said that giving every adult $600 a fortnight regardless of their financial earnings is fiscally neutral, and would give them certainty and assurance.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.