Scottish Government urged to scrap planned universal basic income type scheme for Scotland

"SNP urged to scrap plans for £25k-a-year benefits plan as own report says it could deter Scots from getting a job"

https://www.scottishdailyexpress.co.uk/news/politics/snp-urged-scrap-plans-25k-33385239


"The Scottish Government has been urged to axe plans to create a minimum income guarantee after its own research into the policy revealed that it could deter Scots from seeking work. The benefits plan was labelled "unaffordable" by rivals as it would almost certainly mean higher taxation.

SNP ministers have long wanted to introduce new legislation which would ensure everyone living in Scotland, including those unemployed and low earners, are given a minimum level of pay. This could go up to £25,000 and not be means tested, which would prove costly.

It would likely cost hundreds of millions of pounds, with the government researching how this can be paid for, with one of the options being higher taxation. Scotland is already the highest taxed part of the UK, with anyone earning over £28,000 paying more to the public purse.

A new report published by the SNP Executive on Friday even cautioned the government from undertaking the plans as it could mean Scots are incentivised to stay at home and not go to work. The independent publication, written by WPI Economics who are an independent economics and policy consultancy, highlighted a number of issues.

READ MORE: SNP undertake no analysis of how much flagship benefits payment would cost in an independent Scotland

The document said: "A Minimum Income Guarantee will affect labour supply through its impact on the incentive to work, and there is concern that a Minimum Income Guarantee set too high may create a poverty or benefit ‘trap.’" This highlights that Scots may decide not to go to work because they are being paid enough to sit and do nothing.

It added: "On the supply side, a Minimum Income Guarantee funded through increased taxation may lead to a reduction in employment due to higher tax rates." And in a section on demographic effects, it said: "Work incentives potentially weakened for young people, women (second earners) and households without children."

The Scottish Tories blasted the proposals as they urged the government to drop them as they are unaffordable. Shadow Finance Secretary Liz Smith said: "It’s increasingly clear that the SNP’s fanciful Minimum Income Guarantee policy ought to be ditched immediately.

“Despite being well-intentioned it is completely unaffordable – especially at a time when SNP incompetence has created a huge black hole in the nation’s finances, forcing ministers to make swingeing cuts to essential services. A MIG is also likely to stifle productivity and growth, by necessitating tax rises leading to possible job losses.”"

"Work incentives potentially weakened for..."

So what happened to the ideology that, "Work was more than just a Paycheque" 🧐. From the artlcle, it seems to focus on only the financial concerns..

They dont seem to grasp what correlates with work= ££££  

No one wants to work for someone else unless! they will make a profit for themselves. Increase their quality of life for themself and their family, etc.

Working whether for yourself or an employer should always be worth it, not to just exist. And the latter, is what many people are trapped in.

A UBI needs implementing across the UK. Rather than, wasting 100's of £millions on inappropriate training schemes which over the years must have cost billions.

I agree Jobber, living 'hand to mouth' is not an easy existence... Especially, when your boss rubs your nose in it, of how much money their making ‍.

Maybe they could start some societal rewards scheme. You now 'Clap for Careerer's'... As a job is 'more than just a paycheque'.. But surely the foundation, is to build a better life for you and family...

I really sympathise for everyone currently having to/being forced to work, and having to claim benefits. Additionally, not having to pay tax into the system due to wages being stupidly low and yet, getting battered by the cost of living. Paymasters quite content to tell the gullible inflations all coming down. Anyone been checking their bills lately ?  I'm spending more, and the goods are shrinking, both in size and quantity. But we're all in it together dont forget  Once little England, and now should rebrand us Little Switzerland... without the benefits'. They need to address quality of jobs and income levels across the board because until that's all changed, UK ltd will remain in crap street. People are now trapped on an endless treadmill and no signs of a way out.

I think millions must be sick to the back teeth of reading the garbage of "work is not just about the pay cheque, it's a purpose, it's good for you." Blah, blah, blah, blah. As though everyone's life goal was; packing things in boxes for china, driving vans like headless chickens, and now all for rice grain pay, not; having a holiday, not affording to run a car, buying decent clothes, being able to feed their kids, and not from a food bank, postponing having a family. But never mind those irrelevant little factors... be glad your working It's all good for you. Isn't it strange that those willing to abide by that philosophy of life, are those doing very nicely. I had friends who spent their days working 14 hour days... and now dead. 3 of em. So, it's all good then. Just putting that garbage out there for some balance.