A new Basic Income network is in the process of being set up. We will include a connection to their website when it is available, but if you want to be kept in touch with progress please email anniemillerBI@gmail  to be added to their mailing list. Meanwhile, you can read Annie Miller’s article on Basic Income in our May 2014 Newsletter, and here is the network’s

POLICY STATEMENT AND OUTLINE WORK PLAN

Vision: a fairer, more just society, where every citizen receives a Citizen’s Basic Income.

The Mission of the Citizen’s Basic Income Network Scotland is

‘to advance research and public education about the economic and social effects and influences of Citizen’s Basic Income systems (defined here as schemes which guarantee an unconditional, non-withdrawable income payable to every individual as a right of citizenship)’.

A Citizen’s Basic Income (CBI) would provide every citizen with a universal, non-means-tested and unconditional basic income, replacing most of the current Social Security benefits and most of the current tax loopholes in the personal income tax system.  Each feature of CBI can help to achieve several related objectives of welfare reform and wider social and economic policy, in the areas of:

• individual empowerment and choice;
• labour market efficiency;
• greater administrative simplicity;
• the creation of a fairer, more supportive and inclusive society;
• prevention of poverty, and
• a reduction in inequality of income.

The more generous the scheme, the greater will be the potential fulfillment of these objectives.

The role of Citizen’s Basic Income Network Scotland is to educate the general public, policy- and decision-makers about the desirability and feasibility of CBI schemes.  Although the concept itself is relatively simple, implementation is fairly complex and technical.  There is no single optimum CBI scheme.  However, the better informed the public, the more likely they are to persuade decision-makers to establish a suitable CBI scheme for the benefit of society.

Citizen’s Basic Income Network Scotland will work to build awareness and support for CBI in Scotland, although full implementation would only be possible with devolution of full fiscal powers to the Scottish government.

During 2015 the four founder trustees prepared the setting up of Citizen’s Basic Income Network Scotland including the preparation of our application for charitable status.   During 2016 we will

• set up a business bank account;
• start to raise funds;
• set up a website and create a blog;
• recruit more trustees;
• recruit volunteers to help with our work;
• establish a contacts database;
• support publication of a CBI Handbook, written by Annie Miller;
• plan the launch and promotion of Citizen’s Basic Income Network Scotland.

We plan to launch Citizen’s Basic Income Network Scotland in the spring of 2016 with the publication of the new book on CBI by Annie Miller, which will be promoted through a media release and other public relations activity.

Following its launch, the trustees of Citizen’s Basic Income Network Scotland will develop its profile, reach and impact through:

• tailored communication for different audiences, occasions and media, including talks at events, to build awareness and understanding of CBI around Scotland;
• building a network of supporters;
• informing relevant public policy.

The trustees of Citizen’s Basic Income Network Scotland will continue to fundraise to allow us to deliver our activities effectively.  We plan to employ at least one member of staff once we have sufficient funds.

The successful launch of Citizen’s Basic Income Network Scotland and delivery of our planned work will allow us to achieve our mission.

Founders of Citizen’s Basic Income Network Scotland:

Maddy Halliday

Annie Miller

Jon Shaw

Willie Sullivan

 

December 2015.