Minimum Income Guarantee: Experts by Experience Panel report

Principle three: inclusive and accessible

The Minimum Income Guarantee should be delivered so that it is inclusive and accessible to all. The system should be flexible and account for people's differing needs through providing both financial and wider support.

Rationale

This principle is about the Minimum Income Guarantee not leaving anyone behind. It reflects that panel members think that the Minimum Income Guarantee level should be reached in a way that is inclusive and accessible to all individuals or groups in society. This principle recognises the need for ensuring access and financial equity when some groups may need more to be able to reach a dignified standard of living. This principle also reflects that the Minimum Income Guarantee should be easy to apply for when people need the Minimum Income Guarantee through payments, and that appropriate support services are included for particular groups where they may be needed.

Considerations

Take into consideration the different needs that people have based on their circumstances, i.e. housing costs in Edinburgh could be more expensive than in a rural area.

A baseline measure that we can understand differing needs from, building on the different needs of the individual and circumstances. Whoever is assessing need must have a baseline to work from for the whole system to work.

Understanding different personal circumstances as well as area/regional differences that exist will be vital for this to work in a way that is fair for all - making sure that stated needs are not excessive.

As the process develops, it is incumbent on decision-makers to involve communities and groups throughout to ensure this works (as far as is reasonably practicable).

Communications

Alleviate (where possible) any barriers to accessing the Minimum Income Guarantee.

Potentially a disconnect between how people have been experiencing services and what we are drawing out as important within this principle - will have to be sensitive to everyone's experiences which are potentially negative.

Rights and responsibilities - ensuring that rights (to a Minimum Income Guarantee) are explained in the context of individuals' responsibilities (equity). ^[3]

Include simple messaging that includes how to apply, objective, criteria, benefit and application process^[4].

Multiple channels for the community to engage with - including face to face where possible.

Support

29 members voted on the level of support for this principle. Overall supported by 96% of panel members of which:

72% (21 members) 'strongly support'

24% (7 members) 'support'

and 3% (one member) 'strongly oppose'

Members were asked, "if you do not support principle three, please tell us what would be needed for you to support it". No members provided comments on how their support would be increased. As explained in the introduction, one member who disagrees with the idea of a Minimum Income Guarantee used this space to further emphasise their disagreement.