Lombardy to experiment basic income, says Maroni - update

(ANSA) - Milan, May 12 - Lombardy Governor Roberto Maroni said Monday that his executive intends to introduce, on an experimental basis, a basic-income benefit to ensure all families in the region have enough money to be able to pay for basic necessities. Maroni said he intended to use 220 million euros from from the European Social Fund (ESF) for the initiative. "In Lombardy I want to bring in the first experiment of the basic income, reserved for citizens who are resident in Lombardy, and consistent with the aims of the European Social Fund".