Nicola Sturgeon: Scottish Citizen’s Basic Income may be impossible Nicola Sturgeon has admitted that introducing a Citizen’s Basic Income scheme across Scotland may be impossible, but insisted that funding […]

Nicola Sturgeon has admitted that introducing a Citizen’s Basic Income scheme across Scotland may be impossible, but insisted that funding research into the idea was not a waste of money.

The First Minister said it would be wrong to be “close-minded” to the idea of a CBI scheme, which could see the welfare system replaced by unconditional cash handouts for every citizen.

“It might turn out not to be the answer, it might turn out not to be feasible” The i politics newsletter cut through the noise Email address is invalid Email address is invalid Thank you for subscribing! Sorry, there was a problem with your subscription. Nicola Sturgeon

Last month she announced that the Scottish Government would work with local councils to fund research into the concept, which has been trialled in several other countries.

However, it has since emerged that a national CBI scheme could cost £3.6bn a year and require everyone in the country to pay vastly increased taxes of 50 per cent or more.

The figure was contained in an internal briefing authored by the Scottish Government’s housing and social justice director Liz Hawkins and handed to Ms Sturgeon and other senior ministers in March.

During a speech at a conference on inclusive economic growth in Glasgow, Ms Sturgeon said she intended to press ahead with her plans despite the concerns about affordability.

“Despite the fact that this has some critics, we are going to work with interested local authorities to fund research into the feasibility of a Citizen’s Basic Income scheme,” she said.

‘Open-minded’

“I should stress our work on this is at a very early stage. It might turn out not to be the answer, it might turn out not to be feasible.

“But as work and employment changes as rapidly as it is doing, I think it’s really important that we look and are prepared to be open-minded about the different ways in which we can support individuals to participate fully in the new economy.”

She added later that while a CBI in Scotland “might turn out not to be the right answer”, it would be wrong to be “close-minded” and that the research would help to determine the best course.

The Scottish Conservatives, who obtained the briefing from Ms Hawkins through a Freedom of Information request, said Nicola Sturgeon had been told “unequivocally” that CBI was a bad idea.

“Her civil servants stated to her that the idea it is totally unaffordable and unsustainable, yet she is continuing to press ahead with this trial despite knowing better,” said the party’s social security spokesman Adam Tomkins.

“It simply shows the lengths that this First Minister will go to appease the extreme left of the pro-independence movement.”

Ms Sturgeon also announced the launch of a public consultation into her plans for a national Scottish investment bank, which will help to finance infrastructure projects and fund firms.

The Federation of Small Businesses said there was “much to be applauded” in the concept of such a bank, but warned that it must not “distract” ministers from other pressing matters.