Supporters of the citizens’ basic income say people must have the funds to take part in society fully

Paying everyone in Scotland more than £200 a week from public funds would vastly reduce poverty and allow people to participate fully in society, it has been claimed.

A group set up to assess the feasibility of introducing pilots for a citizens’ basic income (CBI) has suggested two payment levels: a lower rate more in line with benefit payments — between £85 and £167 per week — and a higher rate, based on what would allow recipients to take part in sports and other events, of up to £213 per week.

Trials in Canada and Finland have suggested that a basic income could improve health and wellbeing without denting labour market participation.

The SNP backed the idea of a basic income in 2016.

At Holyrood’s