From normative budget standards to consensual minimum income standards in the UK

This chapter describes the revival of the fading tradition of minimum income standards for healthy living. It talks about the emerging theoretical frameworks of “basic needs” and “capabilities.” It also draws attention to the growing knowledge about health determinants and international human rights instruments, which helps guide the development of minimum income standards in a more systematic fashion. The chapter reflects on Jonathan Bradshaw's longstanding research career, in which he pioneered budget standards research in the UK, such as promoting the Family Budget Unit and developing the Low Cost but Acceptable and Modest but Adequate standards. It also describes the development of the Minimum Income Standards approach and its subsequent applications in the UK.