Universal basic income as a source of inspiration for the future of social protection systems? A counter-agenda

The case for a universal basic income helps to reflect on what could be done to bring social protection into the 21st century, but, it is argued, does not itself provide the most convincing solution to the difficulties rightly pointed out by its proponents. However, this plea constitutes a fruitful source of inspiration for other developments than that proposed. Three proposals are made here in this respect: reducing the influence of household composition on the amount of social benefits received, making the possibility of combining a social benefit with other financial resources more flexible, and relaxing the work integration requirements imposed in return for the granting of rights.