And finally…Glasgow to become UK’s first universal basic income city?

Launching this spring, the feasibility study is the first stage towards launching a full trial of basic income based on an unconditional, regular payment instead of benefits, with proponents claiming it can cut welfare bureaucracy and reduce poverty.

The idea is already being piloted in countries around the world such as Finland and in Scotland Fife Council has already agreed to a similar pilot but has not decided on the details.

For the Glasgow project, the RSA will bring together community groups, businesses and politicians to develop options for how a basic income experiment could be run in the city in practice.

The Scottish government has said it is interested in the idea but believes it will not work north of the border unless welfare and tax is fully devolved.

The study will identify which stakeholders and partners would be involved in any trial and consider the financial and constitutional implications.

A document considered by Glasgow City Council’s executive committee said: “Glasgow offers a unique and exciting opportunity to contribute to the debate.

“Glasgow is an international city with a proud history and reputation, yet also one with significant issues of poverty, inequality and health.

“The learning that could be gained from a Glasgow experimental approach to basic income, could inform the potential for the Basic Income Model to alleviate poverty and build economic and social inclusion.

Jamie Cooke, Head of RSA Scotland, said: “The decision by Glasgow City Council is an important moment for basic income in Scotland, and marks a significant step forward. The RSA is delighted to be working with the Council and other partners on the study, and welcomes the leadership the Council has shown. We now have the opportunity to move the basic income conversation forward and identify practical ways to run a trial which works locally and has global resonance.”

The RSA, which has led research in the UK on basic income, published its paper Creative Citizen, Creative State after developing a new fully costed RSA Basic Income model.

Anthony Painter, author of Creative Citizen, Creative State and Director of the RSA Action and Research Centre, said: “The RSA believes the discussion on basic income is of critical importance. It is vital we explore options to address the failing welfare system and new challenges in the world of work, which continue to emerge.

“We want to work with others to widen the debate about how basic income can make a major contribution to a better system of supporting people.”