The Courier & Advertiser (Angus and Dundee)
Citizen’s Income could ‘change communities’
Councillor hails alternative to current welfare system
A guaranteed basic income could be a life changing opportunity for people, according to a councillor for those who may be first to receive it.
Cowdenbeath or Kelty have been touted as the Fife town that could test universal basic income (UBI), where everyone is paid a set amount – potentially £150 a week for working age adults – regardless of employment status.
Last week, First Minister Nicola Sturgeon admitted it may not be feasible but pledged to continue exploring the radical scheme.
Darren Watt, Conservative councillor for Cowdenbeth, argued it was the opposite of the money-for-nothing hand-out some fear, claiming it will reduce crime and could change communities and culture forever.
He said: “To potentially have Kelty or Cowdenbeath at the forefront of this is incredibly exciting.
“This could prove to be a golden opportunity for many individuals and families to free themselves from the turbulent benefit system and provide them with the much-needed assurances that they have enough money to provide life’s essentials such as shelter, food and clothing. This could also give people the freedom to make their own choices regarding their futures without fear, worry or consequence.
“Some may give up work altogether, some may reduce working hours, some may even continue to work and enjoy the additional disposable income. Some could take the opportunity to retrain or even start their own business.
“It could also help free up the precious time many working families struggle to find as there may not be a need for parents to work full-time or commit to working overtime and instead spend that time with their children.”
He said everyone agreed the current welfare system is a mess and a fair alternative is needed.
He said: “The argument for UBI is we spend £x on benefits and £x on administering the benefits, so why not combine the two amounts, distribute evenly and fairly to all citizens and do away with the complex system altogether?
“There has been a mixed response on the street – however, I think that is due to misunderstanding. Some fear it’s another trap of money for nothing for those who choose to play the system.
“I would argue it’s the opposite because there would no longer be a system and as everyone will have enough to live on, there will be no more going cap in hand to authorities.”
gmcpherson@thecourier.co.uk
As the Westminster Government wobbles on its plans to shake up the welfare system, a seismic shift could still be on its way in Scotland. The Tory Government’s plans for Universal Credit seem tame in comparison with the proposed basic universal income being examined by the Scottish Government.
The payment being considered would be made to every adult, regardless of their economic situation, and could be as much as £150 per week.
Studies are at an early stage and knee-jerk calls to the Scottish Government to abandon the expensive scheme have been rejected.
Should it be implemented, communities lined up for a test period include Cowdenbeath and Kelty, areas of which are among the most deprived in the east of Scotland, if not the whole of the country.
So when a local councillor – a Tory whose party is against the scheme – calls for its installation, we should listen.
There is no silver bullet but Councillor Darren Watt sees the merits in providing everyone with a “wage”.
As well as being, theoretically, cheaper to administer, it should lift people off the breadline, allow for more working flexibility and increase spending in the local economy.
There are obvious downsides, of course, not least the sheer cost, estimated at a third of the country’s income. The scheme is also impossible without full control over welfare.
But innovative thinking should not be discouraged.