A basic income would give people stability to look for work and balance that with any caring responsibilities. Patrick Harvie MSP

Patrick Harvie MSP, Co-convener of the Scottish Greens, will today (29 Aug) tell a major event in Glasgow discussing the growing interest in Universal Basic Income that it is an idea whose time has come.

The longstanding Green policy of a basic payment for all, coupled with progressive taxation, aims to cut poverty and support people with part-time jobs or caring responsibilities. Trials are underway in Finland, the Netherlands and Canada.

Today's RSA & GCVS event will discuss how a number of local authorities in Scotland – including Glasgow – are getting on with setting up basic income pilot projects.

Patrick Harvie MSP said:

“A citizen’s or basic income has long been Scottish Green Party policy and it is encouraging to see representatives from other parties now considering it. Interest is growing, with a Citizen’s Basic Income Network in Scotland and pilot projects proposed in Glasgow, Fife and - thanks to Green councillors just last week - in Edinburgh.

“The need for such bold policies is urgent. What was called social security has been twisted over the years by successive UK Governments into a system that bullies people and traps them in poverty, even when they are working. A basic income would give people stability to look for work and balance that with any caring responsibilities.”

Allan Young, Green Councillor for Govan, said:

“With high levels of poverty and inequality, it’s clear that current economic policies are failing many in Glasgow. We need fresh thinking, and ideas which put power into people’s hands. Ideas such as a Universal Basic Income, which we have long called for.

“A Universal Basic Income could provide Glaswegians with the stability to pursue further education, care for loved ones and say to no to exploitative zero hour contracts. We are calling for Glasgow City Council, possibly in partnership with other councils, to establish a cross-party working group on UBI and trial a pilot scheme for the city.”

Universal Basic Income event, hosted by GCVS (Glasgow Council for the Voluntary Sector)