A PROJECT which aims to tackle poverty in the city is to undergo research after councillors approved the plans.

The basic income model project, which could provide every Glasgow citizen with a weekly income, was discussed at the council’s executive committee.

The pilot scheme which is also being explored in other cities across Europe aims to tackle poverty, inequality an health issues throughout the city.

Matt Kerr, who brought the motion forward said: “It’s fair to say that a lot of folk in the city are living in deprived situations.

“Right now it seems we are using a welfare system that was designed for a different age.

“The current welfare system was suited to a society where full employment was more achievable.

“With the inequalities people of the city are affected by I think it’s only right that Glasgow commits and experiments to a concept like this.

Research will now be undertaken to determine how this idea can be implemented as £5,000 was agreed to be given to the cause.

The first phase of the process will consist of workshop programmes with the community to start in Spring this year.

The second phase involving academic research. There have been early discussions that a basic income would be £71 a week.

“The investment is £5,000 as well as the work of several council officers who will work towards fleshing out a plan,” added Councillor Kerr.

Councillor David McDonald said: “This has been discussed at Scottish Government level as well as Westminster where it has received a lot of support.

“We are fully backing this as we believe it will help those in poverty.”

Councillor Martin Bartos said: “We know there is cross party support in this at all levels of government.

“I think it will be a fantastic initiative and Glasgow could be at the forefront of making this proposal actually happen.”

A basic income is a guaranteed sum of money paid by the a public body to everyone, regardless of their wealth or work status.