Our plan for Scotland: what you need to know
(By Liam Furby)
Today Nicola Sturgeon set out the Scottish Government’s programme for Scotland for the year ahead. It maintains a focus on the day-to-day priorities of government, against the backdrop of the political and economic uncertainty caused by Brexit.
The Programme for Government includes measures to create a more equal society, grow our economy, and protect Scotland’s place in the world. Read the plan in full here.
Here’s just some of what it includes.
Action to ensure our education system is world-class, with opportunities for all
In the coming year the Scottish Government will continue to implement plans to reduce the poverty-related education attainment gap, backed up by the £750 million Attainment Scotland Fund. Read more about our plan to reduce the attainment gap here.
We will also take forward a range of actions to ensure that by 2030 students from the 20 per cent most deprived backgrounds represent 20 per cent of university entrants.
We will further expand free early learning and childcare, taking further steps towards doubling provision by 2020, and new ways to support low-income families with upfront childcare costs will be piloted too.
Families of all newborn babies in Scotland will benefit from a baby box with essential items for a child’s first weeks. And, from Spring next year, all pregnant women will have access to free vitamins.
£500 million to help young companies to grow and expand
The Scottish Growth Scheme will provide up to £500 million over three years of investment guarantees, and some loans, and will be focussed on start-up companies who have the potential to grow and export more.
£100 million of infrastructure spending to tackle the economic impact of Brexit and support jobs
In addition to £5 million for the Golden Jubilee Hospital announced in August, projects include road maintenance, rail improvements, maintenance in our colleges and universities, and maintenance across the police and fire estates too.
Nicola Sturgeon also confirmed approval of European Structural Funds, meaning £650 million in investment will be delivered for communities and businesses across Scotland.
Nurturing and improving our NHS
Over this Parliament, we will increase resource spending in our NHS by £500 million more than inflation.
While NHS staff levels are at an historic high, we will train more nurses, doctors and paramedics.
To build capacity in the social sector to address the demands of an aging population we’re transferring £250 million each year to health and social care partnerships.
And, we’ve also ensured that from next month, all adult social care workers will be paid the real Living Wage.
New legislation to tackle child poverty
It is simply unacceptable that one in five children live in poverty in Scotland. That’s why a new Child Poverty Bill will set out our clear ambition to eradicate child poverty. The Bill will re-introduce statutory income targets abolished by the Tory UK government.
A Social Security Bill establishing a Scottish social security system founded on dignity and respect
We will deliver on our manifesto commitment to introduce a Social Security Bill in the first year of the new Parliament. The Bill will deliver on our commitments to use new powers to increase Carer’s Allowance to the level of Jobseeker’s Allowance, introduce a Jobs Grant and an expanded maternity grant. And, we will abolish the Bedroom Tax at the first available opportunity too.
Empowering our island communities
An Islands Bill will ensure that the needs and and aspirations of our island communities are at the very centre of our agenda. We’ve already announced the establishment of a new Islands Strategic Group and the development of a National Islands Plan.
Exploring all options to protect our place in Europe
In the first instance, we will seek to positively influence the UK Government’s negotiating position, to ensure that options for Scotland to maintain our relationship with Europe are explored.
However, if independence appears to be the best – or only – way to protect our interests in Europe, it is essential that such an option is available. That’s why we will consult on – and have ready for introduction if necessary – a Referendum Bill.
ARTICLE SOURCE: http://www.snp.org/scottish_programme_for_government