Hannah Fearn, “Could an oil-rich independent Scotland afford to pay a citizen’s income?”

by | Sep 18, 2014 | Research

[Josh Martin]

Fearn’s article looks into what an independent Scotland could do in regards to implementing a citizen’s income.  Fearn mentions the promises of the Green Yes party who claim Scotland could pay its citizens a basic income of £15,000 per year and also discusses the possibility of implementing an Alaska Permanent Fund style dividend based on its oil reserves.

Hannah Fearn, “Could an oil-rich independent Scotland afford to pay a citizens income?” The News Hub, 16 September 2014.

Photo source: The News Hub

Photo source: The News Hub

Simon Duffy and John Dalrymple, “Basic Income Security.”

by | Jun 18, 2014 | Research

ABSTRACT: The paper sets out a proposal for the reform of the income security system in an independent Scotland. It proposes the development of a system where all Scottish citizens would receive a minimum income – Basic Income Security. This is a working paper, we welcome comments, we will produce a final version in partnership with the Scottish Campaign for a Fair Society. In summary the paper argues for:

  1. Integration of tax and benefits
  2. Pro-family approach to tax and benefits, supporting families in all their forms
  3. Simplified tax and benefit calculations (into one set of questions)
  4. Security by means of universal, non-means-tested, entitlement
  5. Fair rates of taxation, removing extreme taxes on the poorest
  6. Human rights, embedded in a new constitution for Scotland
  7. Public committee to shape core entitlements, open to submission and scrutiny

Simon Duffy and John Dalrymple, “Basic Income Security.” The Centre for Welfare Reform (UK), 2013.

SCOTLAND: Government Report Devotes Several Pages to Basic income.

by | Jun 10, 2014 | News

“The Expert Working Group on Welfare” has been commissioned by the ruling Scottish Government to look at the medium and long-term options for welfare in an independent Scotland. The groups second report, “Re-thinking Welfare: Fair, Personal and Simple,” devotes several pages to a Basic or Citizens Income (CI). The Working Group does not endorse it as an immediate goal, but discusses it favorably as a long-term option. According to the report, “Introducing a full CI scheme would be such a significant reform that it may be best considered after the early years of independence have passed and the Scottish economy is maturing. For these reasons we would not recommend the introduction of a CI at this time. However it is an option that could be revisited in the future.”

The full report is available online:

The Expert Working Group on Welfare, “Re-thinking Welfare: Fair, Personal and Simple,” The Scottish Government, 4 June 2014.