We are restarting a regular newsletter for Basic Income Network Scotland. Subscribe to our mailing list here.
Two New Blogs: Minimum Income Guarantee – An Essential Step…
We’ve just published a new blog post from our chair Mike Danson exploring the proposed Minimum Income Guarantee (MIG) pilot and its potential as a stepping stone towards a Basic Income.
The blog delves into what MIG is, contextualizes it within the broader Basic Income movement, and highlights the critical role of evolving our approach to social security.
We also published the full text of a talk by Basic Income Network Scotland board member, Annie Miller, given at the National Convention for Scotland’s Future on 14 June 2025.
Press Perspectives on the MIG report
If you’re interested, we’ve rounded up media coverage on the MIG report from the Scottish Government.
The Scotsman called the idea a “disaster for Scotland”, while The Telegraph named it “sheer economic madness“. Iain Macwhirter weighed in on the pages of The Spectator (“The ridiculous fantasy of a Scottish universal basic income”). Coverage from New Statesman (“The UK needs a Minimum Income Standard”) didn’t mention the Scottish Government report on the Minimum Income Guarantee, but underscored the fundamental shift required in our social contract using the related Minimum Income Standard.
Though there were more positive reports in Charity Today, Third Force News, and others, the reception of the MIG report by the press illustrates a worrying hostility to radical reform of the social security system.
Talking Tax – October 8th
This half-day event hosted by Tax Justice Scotland will focus on how better tax policy can contribute to a fairer, greener and more prosperous Scotland.
There will be contributions from prominent campaigners and experts on Scottish, UK and international tax issues, including Dr Faiza Shaheen, Alex Cobham, Rebecca Gowland, and Laurie MacFarlane.
They will be exploring how progressive taxation can fund essential services and drive positive social and environmental change. This is a fantastic opportunity to connect with fellow advocates and contribute to vital conversations about the future of public finance.
Tickets are free and available here.
We’ll write again next month with more blogs from our network, upcoming events, and campaign updates.
Get in touch with team@cbin.scot if you would like to write a blog or suggest a feature for the September newsletter.