This is all tied up in the Scottish independence debate, a "once in a generation vote" which is set to be replayed in the next few years because the "wrong" out

This is all tied up in the Scottish independence debate, a "once in a generation vote" which is set to be replayed in the next few years because the "wrong" outcome happened. The economic argument for independence has collapsed since, especially with the collapse in the price of oil. That given this background the article could say things like there being benefits to the health system from "ending poverty" given the article also took savings from not having pay benefits any more sums up this approach. The 60% of the median calculation used for the poverty* line requires ~£10k annual income, so if you don't have any children this payment would still put you firmly below the poverty line if you didn't / chose not to work. A basic citizen income is incredibly expensive and essentially a massive benefit to the richer classes. * That's leaving aside issues with absolute v relative poverty rates