Glasgow could trial ‘basic income’ to tackle poverty
GLASGOW looks set to take the first step towards an experimental project that could see every resident receive a “basic income”.
A report goes before councillors on Thursday, asking them to back a basic income trial, similar to schemes i n places like t he Netherlands.
Basic income is a type of benefit, in which all residents receive a regular sum of money from the government or council.
A paper will go before councillors at executive committee on Thursday.
If approved, initial research will be carried out this spring with more detailed work scheduled for summer.
The paper, by Executive Member for Social Justice, councillor Matt Kerr, follows a presentation to the city’s Poverty Leadership Panel and community activists by the Royal Society of Arts (RSA).
Mr Kerr hailed the basic income concept, but acknowledged its potential would have to be proven.
He said: “Our welfare system is, at heart, a beautiful idea – but it is also, inevitably, now a product of decades of tinkering and tweaks; some of which have been successful and many of which have not.
“It is not what you would set out to design and build from the ground up today.
“I think basic income is an incredibly exciting idea – and it is clear that it is capturing people’s imaginations across the world – but we have to take an objective look at what its potential really is.
“Glasgow is exactly the right place to do that.”
The report suggests Glasgow has a unique opportunity to contribute to the ongoing global debate about basic income – being a city with an international profile and reputation, but also significant issues of poverty, inequality and health.
While basic income is not a new concept, interest in the idea as a potential solution to current economic challenges has grown rapidly over the last year.
Potential basic income pilots are being explored in the Netherlands and Finland. In Scotland, authorities and stakeholders in Fife have also shown interest in exploring whether and how such a model could benefit communities.
The council’s Executive Committee will be asked to give the green light to a two-stage feasibility study, carried out in partnership with the RSA and overseen by a cross-party working group, chaired by Mr Kerr.