SNP plan to hand £11.5k yearly payout to every Scot

SNP Government plans to hand every Scot £11,500 a year as part of a minimum income guarantee could cost the public purse up to £8.1billion a year. And experts warned that significant income tax increases would be needed to pay for it.

- By David Walker Scottish Politics Reporter

A group commissioned by the SNP in 2021 has worked up a “roadmap” that would see the scheme established by 2036.

Based on 2024/25 prices, the level would be £11,500 for a single adult, with more for couples and parents, if they have no other sources of income. This would require direct investment

Borrowing

of up to £5.9bn per year if introduced tomorrow, although economic growth and increased benefits across the UK between now and 2036 could reduce that cost.

A full minimum income guarantee would then follow at a net cost £8.1bn a year.