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News and Updates – Jack Scott In this month’s newsletter, we begin with a re-affirmation of the critical need for the introduction of Basic Income. Craig Dalzell, long term supporter of Basic Income and friend of BINS, discusses where Scotland might find inspiration for a better social security system. In this column, Dalzell cites a report by EU think tank Coppieters Foundation “A European Universal Basic Income” which finds that a Basic Income sufficient to eradicate poverty across the entire Union could be paid for entirely by relatively modest changes to income tax and the savings found from the reduction of poverty itself. This means Basic Income is both a moral and economic imperative. Long-time supporters of the policy proposal know this, but a reminder is always welcome within the movement – especially if you find yourself speaking to a Basic Income supporter-to-be. The bottom line of the article is simply “Eradicate poverty, save money, implement a Universal Basic Income.” – a tagline we should all get behind. Let’s not forget how high the stakes are for this imperative. Not only is the current welfare system grossly unfit for purpose, but many struggle to access even the (inadequate) Universal Credit they are entitled to as they are not automatically migrated from older-style benefits. Recent figures suggest that one in five people receiving a migration to Universal Credit notice do not make the switch – representing a significant loss of income to those already being failed by the system. With a Basic Income paid automatically as a right to everyone, no one would fall through the cracks like this. Whilst the task we are up against is huge, we continue to see incredibly encouraging steps towards Basic Income as a reality. In Ireland, due to the tireless work of campaigners emphasising the positive outcomes of the trial – the Basic Income for the Arts scheme will be made permanent. Ireland’s Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport, Patrick O’Donovan, stated “I will bring a successor scheme to Government with the intention of embedding a permanent Basic Income in the Arts and Culture sector. This scheme is the envy of the world, and a tremendous achievement for Ireland, and must be made futureproof and sustainable”. Truly excellent news for the Basic Income movement everywhere. Full details of the permanent successor to the Basic Income for the Arts Scheme Closer to home, we also see the election of the new Scottish Greens leaders. The Scottish Greens have long been supporters of Basic Income – but it is nonetheless refreshing to see Ross Greer and Gillian Mackay making Basic Income a central tenet of their campaign. As we look forward to the Scottish Parliament elections in 2026, it’s great to see Basic Income already firmly on the agenda. |
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New Blogs The Case for a Minimum Income Guarantee: A Pathway to Stability and Opportunity by Basic Income Network Trustee Collette Walker. |