Project timeline

Findings from the project will be shared, as appropriate, as they become available.

The project is in its early stages, with feasibility work starting April 2018. Key milestones are as follows:

Phase 1 (months 1 – 6): May 2018 – October 2018

• Clarify the intended outcomes of a proposed Scottish Basic Income pilot
• Generate options for Basic Income pilots to meet the intended outcomes
• Identify the intended and unintended consequences of the pilot options
• Develop clear research questions to be tested through the pilots
• Commence commissioning of key research and modelling work
• Begin engagement with DWP / HMRC

Phase 2 (months 7 – 11): November 2018 to March 2019

• Continue commissioned research and modelling work
• Agree preferred Basic Income pilot option/s to be proposed in the business plan
• Develop options paper regarding funding / payment mechanisms for pilots (this has been delayed due to slower than anticipated progress with DWP engagement)
• Pilot evaluation planning in place
• Progress report to Scottish Government (March 2019)

Phase 3 (months 12 – 17): April 2019 to September 2019

• Complete commissioned research and modelling work
• If required, commission and deliver additional qualitative research requirements
• Detailed evaluation methods developed, with costings
• Agree possible funding and payment mechanisms, considering DWP/HMRC discussions
• Production of interim report to Scottish Government (autumn 2019) setting out nature of proposed pilot, research questions to be evaluated, likely costs and benefits, and sources of funding

Phase 4 (months 18 – 23): October 2019 to March 2020

• Detailed evaluation methods developed, with costings
• Baseline data identified, and collection plan agreed
• Full data collection and analysis agreed
• Progress report / full business case for pilots to Scottish Government (March 2020)