Greens to introduce basic income for care leavers
The Scottish Greens have pledged to roll out a basic income for all care leavers, ensuring that young people leaving the care system are given secure and regular financial support.
The scheme would be based on a pilot carried out by the Welsh Government which provided care leavers with a regular, unconditional payment of £1600 per month for two years after their 18th birthday.
The party is also calling for the powers to introduce a comprehensive Universal Basic Income pilot in Scotland to be devolved so that everyone can benefit from a fairer and more compassionate system.
A Universal Basic Income is a mechanism that would provide everyone with a guaranteed income.
It would mean a much simpler system without complicated means tests, cruel benefits sanctions and confusing rules, and would reduce the stress involved in the current system whilst tackling poverty and inequality.
Scottish Greens co-leader Gillian Mackay said:
“Every young person deserves security, dignity and the chance to build their future. That should be especially true for young people leaving care, who are too often expected to make the jump into adult life without the family support, financial safety net or stability that others can rely on.
“For too long, care experienced young people have been failed by systems that wait until things go wrong before stepping in. The Scottish Greens want to build a Scotland that prevents hardship before it happens, rather than forcing young people to navigate poverty, debt and insecurity alone.
“A basic income for care leavers would be a practical step towards changing that. It would give young people regular, secure support they can count on, helping them to pay rent, study, work, travel, eat well and make choices about their future.
“We have always believed in a Universal Basic Income because everyone deserves an income they can live on, not a safety net full of holes. While Westminster continues to block the powers Scotland needs for a full UBI pilot, we can and should act now for care leavers.
“A vote for the Scottish Greens on 7 May is a vote to give young people leaving care the same thing every young person deserves: stability, independence and a fair start in life.”
