AN EXPERT group has set out a road map to delivering a “fundamental change to the social contract” with a minimum income guarantee in Scotland.

The Scottish government-commissioned group, made up of charities, campaigners and academics, say the policy could be piloted after next year’s Holyrood election, moving to an “interim minimum income payment” in line with the measure of relative poverty by 2036.

Russell Gunson, of anti-poverty charity the Robertson Trust, said: “A minimum income guarantee could be transformative, putting in place a universal guarantee that’s there for everyone in Scotland.

“With technological change and an ageing population, we need to build security for all.

“A minimum income guarantee could future-proof Scotland.”

Pledging to consider the proposals, SNP Social Justice Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville responded: “We are already taking action in a number of the areas highlighted by the group, while operating within the limits of the devolution settlement and responsible management of the public finances.

“Meanwhile as the UK government refuses to act to end the Universal Credit two-child limit, the Scottish government has committed to ending this limit next year.”