Minimum Income Guarantee: report - easy read version

The design

The level of income a Minimum Income Guarantee is set at is based on research called the Minimum Income Standard.

The Minimum Income Standard shows how much money different households need.

The Minimum Income Standard does not fully show what the extra costs are for disabled people, unpaid carers or those in rural and island areas.

We want to see this changed so everyone is treated fairly. This means that more research into the extra costs for these groups will be needed.

We need to improve jobs, public services, the cost of living and benefits to provide a Minimum Income Guarantee.

Everyone should have jobs they enjoy and get fair pay. Work should be good for workers, employers and should be fair for the country.

People should be able to afford the things they need to live well, like housing and childcare. We think that moving towards having Universal Basic Services is a good idea.

Universal Basic Services are public services that people can use for free or at a low cost. This could include things like cheap internet or free transport.

The Minimum Income Guarantee would include a payment that tops up people’s income to a level that allow them to live well.

This would be part of a package of support that’s available to people based on their needs.

Other support includes help with housing costs, the cost of raising children, caring for someone and living with a disability.

The level of income needed to live well and the delivery of a Minimum Income Guarantee would be agreed by a new group of experts with different backgrounds and experiences.

The Minimum Income Guarantee payment would be reduced as the amount of money someone makes increases. This is called a taper.

The payment would also be divided fairly and paid to each member of the household. This is so that everyone has access to the money they need.

A Minimum Income Guarantee will be a better system and will ensure that everyone is included and treated fairly.