THE Scottish Government has taken its first steps towards setting up a “minimum income guarantee” in an effort to decrease poverty levels and tackle inequality.
Shona Robison, the Social Justice Secretary, is set to host the first meeting of a new cross-party steering group tasked with pushing the plans forward.
A minimum income guarantee is similar to “universal basic income”, but differs in that it is targeted at people on low incomes rather than the cash being given to everyone.
The policy would aim to give everyone in Scotland a minimum acceptable standard of living, with enough money for essentials like housing and food.
READ MORE: Scotland to host world’s largest conference on Universal Basic Income
It is not expected that the scheme would work through an extra social security payment. Instead, it is likely to come through a mix of employment, tax relief and services like childcare or transport.
Robison has said the scheme would be “revolutionary” in the country’s fight against poverty.
“We are committed to progressing the delivery of a Minimum Income Guarantee, which could be revolutionary in our fight against poverty. It is a clear demonstration of our ambition and aspiration for Scotland,” she said.
“The policy is innovative, bold and radical. It reflects our clear desire to do everything with our limited powers to deliver the change needed, using every lever at our disposal.
“Eradicating child poverty and building a fairer, more equal country must be a national mission, not just for the government, but our parliament and broader society.
“We recognise this is a cross-government responsibility and we are focused on working together to push forward poverty reduction in Scotland.
“We must look at ways of maximising household incomes from work and social security, as well as reducing costs on essentials including services such as childcare.
“Introducing a minimum income guarantee will not be easy and it will not happen overnight, but there is a willingness to deliver on our ambition.”
READ MORE: Nicola Sturgeon to open key global event hosted by Glasgow on universal income plans
The Institute for Public Policy Research in Scotland published a report in March which suggested a core entitlement for a minimum income guarantee could be £792 for a single person of working age per month, or £1224 for a couple, with an additional £267 for the first child and £224 for each additional child. This could “taper off” if an adult in the home is in work.
The SNP’s manifesto for the 2021 election committed to “start work” on the scheme during the current parliament, warning the changes could not “be done overnight”.
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