NICOLA Sturgeon has said she hopes to have “constructive discussions” with the UK Government on the possibility of implementing universal basic income during the coronavirus crisis.
Speaking at yesterday’s daily briefing the First Minister said the “time has come” to look into the policy, under which citizens are given a universal payment from the Government, in Scotland.
The UK Government has power over creating such a national scheme.
The SNP leader told reporters at the briefing: “The experience of the virus and the economic consequences of that have actually made me much, much more strongly of the view that it is an idea that’s time has come.”
READ MORE: Nicola Sturgeon to press Boris Johnson on universal basic income
While the Scottish Government would need further powers over taxation and social security to make such a scheme a reality, she said she hopes the UK will “get into a constructive discussion” with Scotland’s ministers about the scheme.
She added she hopes these conversations would take place “reasonably quickly” after the pandemic ends. She went on to tell reporters to “watch this space”.
The SNP have been calling on the UK Government to consider implementing a universal basic income in response to the economic concerns the coronavirus crisis throws up.
However, Chancellor Rishi Sunak has denied such a policy would be the right move.
According to think tank Reform Scotland the policy should consist of an annual payment of £5200 for adults and £2600 for under 16s.
The scheme would cost about £20 billion for the Scottish Government to implement.
Upon the think tank’s report publication, Sturgeon said it was “interesting and timely” and added the Covid-19 outbreak strengthened the case for such a scheme.
Why are you making commenting on The National only available to subscribers?
We know there are thousands of National readers who want to debate, argue and go back and forth in the comments section of our stories. We’ve got the most informed readers in Scotland, asking each other the big questions about the future of our country.
Unfortunately, though, these important debates are being spoiled by a vocal minority of trolls who aren’t really interested in the issues, try to derail the conversations, register under fake names, and post vile abuse.
So that’s why we’ve decided to make the ability to comment only available to our paying subscribers. That way, all the trolls who post abuse on our website will have to pay if they want to join the debate – and risk a permanent ban from the account that they subscribe with.
The conversation will go back to what it should be about – people who care passionately about the issues, but disagree constructively on what we should do about them. Let’s get that debate started!
Callum Baird, Editor of The National
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel