Basic income scheme to be trialed in Scotland to reduce destitution
Scottish Government has supported proposed trials of Basic annual income of £2,400 in an aim to reduce poverty in Scotland.
Trials have been suggested for councils in Glasgow, Edinburgh, Fife and North Ayrshire.
The Royal Society for the encouragement of Arts, Manufactures and Commerce charity released a report that every adult should be given an income of £2,400, rising to £4,800. Children would be paid £1,500.
The RSA believes the move would improve health and well being while removing the stigma of receiving benefits.
James Cook, the head of the RSA said: “One of the biggest challenges we face today is economic insecurity. People have jobs that are short term, where payments are not regular and zero hour contracts are rife. Basic income provides people with a sense of security.
“Universal credit is system that is failing miserably. Basic income removes the sanctions and conditions that are in our current system, it trusts people to make their own choices that will benefit them and their families and empower them in that way. ”
However, Basic income will not mean that certain benefits will cease to exist. Disability and housing benefit would be kept due to the complexity of the housing market.
