Belfast City Council voted to lobby the Northern Ireland Executive to introduce a Basic Income for Artists scheme. The vote passed 35-15 at the full council meeting, with 15 DUP councillors opposed.

DUP Group Leader Councillor Sarah Bunting spoke against the proposal. She stated that no one disputes the value of the arts and creative sector to Belfast's identity, tourism, community cohesion, wellbeing and mental health. Bunting questioned if a permanent unconditional basic income for artists is affordable, fair or the right policy. She argued that the matter belongs to the Northern Ireland Executive and Assembly, not the council.

The council approved an SDLP motion calling on the Executive to fund a scheme modelled on the Republic of Ireland's programme. That scheme will provide 2,000 eligible artists with €325 per week for three years. The SDLP accepted a Green Party amendment on fairness and accessibility.

The motion notes that artists and creative workers face insecure low and irregular incomes, worsened by COVID-19 and the cost of living crisis. It states that a basic income would protect creative livelihoods, retain talent and strengthen Belfast's cultural ecosystem.

Belfast City Council will request that the Minister for Communities lead development of the scheme with the Departments for the Economy and Finance. The departments will engage with arts and creative sectors and treat it as a priority in the Executive's Programme for Government and budget process.

The council will send correspondence to relevant Stormont departments. Responses are expected at future committee meetings.