With predictions of social and economic upheaval brought about by technological and environmental changes, could a citizen's income reduce poverty and increase people's control over their lives?. How attractive - and affordable - is it as a policy?.
Using new research from Edinburgh and Heriot-Watt Universities, funded by the Scottish Universities Insight Institute, this seminar brought together perspectives from all sides of the debate to consider whether citizen's income is a realistic solution for Scotland's future.
Chaired by Alex Rowley MSP, Convener of the Scottish Parliament's Cross-Party Group on Basic Income, the event opened with a presentation by Professor Mike Danson from Heriot-Watt University on the recent research project: Exploring Citizen's Income - Research Project.
EXPLORING BENEFITS AND CHALLENGES OF IMPLEMENTING CITIZEN'S BASIC INCOME IN SCOTLAND
Citizen's basic income (BI) seeks to reduce poverty and increase people's control over their lives - improving their quality of life and wellbeing and strengthening socio-economic inclusion and justice. This will contribute to realising the vision of Scotland 2030 as a better place for all citizens. International BI pilots have shown considerable social, economic, administrative benefits. Analyses of these, and persistent poverty, income and job insecurity are leading to growing global interest in BI, with many pilot schemes across the world and with plans for four local authority pilots in Scotland.
