Nicola sturgeon’s programme for government statement

_First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has presented the 2021-22 Programme for Government – setting out __AN AMBITIOUS POLICY PROGRAMME TO SECURE A FAIRER, GREENER SCOTLAND. You can read the full

statement to the Scottish Parliament here._ Presiding Officer, Today, I will set out the Government’s programme for the year ahead – and our priorities for the duration of this parliament –

as we implement the manifesto we were re-elected on in May, and our Co-operation Agreement with the Scottish Green Party.  This programme addresses the key challenges Scotland faces, and

aims to shape a better future. It sets out how we will tackle the challenge of Covid, and rebuild from it, address the deep-seated inequalities in our society, confront with urgency the

climate emergency in a way that captures maximum economic benefit; and mitigate, as far as we can, the damaging consequences of Brexit, while offering a better alternative. In detail, it

sets out plans to invest in and reform public services; establish a National Care Service; extend and increase the Scottish Child Payment; build more affordable houses; guarantee

opportunities for young people; build an economy fit for the future; and show real leadership on the climate crisis.  It also reaffirms the Scottish Government’s commitment to an

independence referendum. Our democratic mandate to allow people to decide the country’s future is beyond question. And at this juncture in history, it is essential that we consider the kind

of country we want to be, and how best to secure it. As we emerge from the pandemic, choices fall to be made that will shape our economy and society for decades to come.  Which Parliament –

Westminster or Holyrood – should make these choices?  And what principles will they be guided by? These are questions which cannot be avoided, nor postponed until the die is already cast. So

we intend to offer the choice. We will do so only when the Covid crisis has passed but our aim, Covid permitting, is that it will be in the first half of this Parliament – before the end of

2023.  Crucially, we will ensure that the choice – when it comes – is a fully informed one.  To that end, I can confirm that the Scottish Government will now restart work on the detailed

prospectus that will guide the decision. Presiding Officer, The case for independence is strong and we will present it openly, frankly and with confidence.  Building a better future for

those who come after us should be the ambition of any government.  Of course, the  immediate priority of this government is to lead Scotland out of the pandemic.  We are currently

experiencing a surge in cases – though possibly seeing an early sign that the rate of increase is beginning to slow. I will update Parliament in more detail tomorrow.  However, we remain

focussed on keeping the country as safe as possible in the face of an uncertain situation. We will continue to maximise uptake of vaccines across eligible groups, and extend vaccination

quickly in line with advice from the JCVI or the Chief Medical Officer. We will support Test & Protect, and introduce the CORONAVIRUS (COMPENSATION FOR SELF-ISOLATION) BILL.  This will

allow health boards to focus on key services, while local and national government provide support for those asked to self-isolate. We will work with businesses to ensure safe environments

for workers and customers.  As part of this, and to ensure that limited public resources support the most affected sectors, we will introduce the NON-DOMESTIC RATES COVID-19 APPEALS BILL to

prevent inappropriate use of the material change of circumstances provisions in non-domestic rates legislation.  We will take steps to encourage continued compliance with mitigations such as

face coverings, rigorous hygiene and good ventilation.  We will work with local authorities, schools, universities and colleges to put protections in place for young people and minimise

disruption to education. And we will seek Parliament’s approval this week for a targeted system of vaccine certification, as a proportionate alternative to the risk of further closure of

higher risk settings. All of these measures are likely to be essential as we head into autumn and winter.  As we seek to protect against Covid in the short term, we will also prepare for

recovery in the longer term. A COVID RECOVERY BILL will embed reforms in our public services and justice system that, though necessitated by the pandemic, have delivered improvements. The

Bill will also help build resilience against future health threats.  We will also shortly publish our wider Covid Recovery Strategy setting out the targeted actions we will take to address

the impact of the pandemic on those hardest hit.  Presiding Officer, An essential aspect of recovery from Covid is the reform and renewal of our public services.   Our health and care

services have performed magnificently in the most difficult of circumstances imaginable. They remain under intense pressure.  The Scottish Government will do all we can to support those who

work in health and care. We have already implemented a 4% pay increase for Agenda for Change staff – the biggest single-year rise in the history of this Parliament. We will continue to

ensure fair and competitive pay for all who work in the NHS.  And through our work to build a National Care Service, we will deliver national bargaining and improved pay for those who work

in the care sector too. We will support implementation of the NHS Recovery Plan. To ensure that Covid related backlogs are addressed and waiting times brought back within targets, we will

substantially increase NHS capacity. Inpatient and day case capacity will increase by 10% over the next 18 months and by 20% over the next five years. There will be a 10% increase in

outpatient capacity by the end of this Parliament.  And over the same timescale, a mix of innovation and extra capacity will deliver 90,000 more diagnostic procedures. The Recovery Plan will

be backed by more than £1 billion of targeted investment. And I can confirm today that we will increase investment in frontline health services by 20% over the lifetime of this Parliament.

  This means that by 2026/27, the frontline health budget will be £2.5 billion higher than it is today.  We will also increase investment in primary care by 25% by the end of this Parliament

– with half of all frontline spend invested in community health services so that more care is delivered closer to home.  And I can confirm that having already removed dental charges for

everyone under 26 since our re-election, we will abolish dental charges for all.  In the year ahead, we will invest an additional £120 million in mental health services. And we will increase

direct investment in mental health services by 25% over this term – and ensure that mental health commands at least 10% of frontline health spending. The immediate funding will support the

recovery and transformation of services, with a focus on prevention and early intervention. It will also enable the full implementation of the National CAMHS Service Specification and clear

historic waiting lists. We will also invest in the modernisation of the NHS estate.  Capital investment of £10 billion over the next decade will see health facilities built and refurbished

across Scotland.  This will include completion of the network of national treatment centres. I can confirm that 1,500 additional NHS staff members will be recruited to support this network.

Centres in Fife, Forth Valley and Highland will open next year. I can also confirm that we will support the replacement of the Edinburgh Eye Pavilion. We will also improve public health,

with action to cut tobacco use, tackle alcohol misuse and reduce obesity.  Over the course of the parliament we will double to £100 million investment in sport and active living. We will

also address the drugs death crisis. We will do so with urgency and a deep sense of responsibility, and guided by lived experience.  £250 million in additional funding will be invested

across this Parliament to support better outreach, treatment, rehabilitation and aftercare in every part of Scotland.  This year, our focus will be on ensuring access to same day treatment

and a wider range of treatment options. We will also provide guaranteed funding for grassroots organisations providing essential community support. Finally, on health and care, I can confirm

that we will introduce a NATIONAL CARE SERVICE BILL. This will provide for the establishment of the new service – which we intend to be operational by the end of this Parliament – and

implement what is arguably the most significant public service reform since the creation of the National Health Service.  Alongside reform there will also be investment. I can confirm that

we will increase funding for social care by at least £800 million – 25% – over the lifetime of the Parliament We will also remove charges for non-residential care. And we will introduce

‘Anne’s Law’, giving nominated relatives or friends the same access rights to care homes as staff.  Presiding Officer, The establishment of the National Care Service will spark much debate

and it is vital that we get it right.  But done well, as we intend, a National Care Service will be one of the biggest ever achievements of this Parliament – and, just like the NHS in the

wake of the Second World War, it will be a fitting legacy from the trauma of Covid. This Programme will also support and reform other key public services.  The measures we are outlining

today will help the justice system recover from Covid. We will protect Police Scotland’s resource budget for the duration of the parliament, and support the modernisation of the Scottish

Fire and Rescue Service. We will upgrade the prison estate, with investment of half a billion pounds. A new Community Justice Strategy – to be published next year and backed by new

investment – will support a substantial expansion of community justice services, and help reduce re-offending. We will improve support for victims of crime with the appointment of a Victims’

Commissioner and a new fund to support victims’ organisations.  We will introduce a BAIL AND RELEASE FROM CUSTODY BILL to improve how decisions on bail are reached and better support

release from custody. And while we are proud of the reputation of Scotland’s justice system and the Scots law principles that underpin it, we will consider reforms to make it stronger still.

  This year, we will launch a public consultation on whether the “not proven” verdict should be abolished.  And we will consult on the potential separation of the dual roles of Scotland’s

law officers. I can also confirm that in this first year of the parliament, we will introduce the GENDER RECOGNITION REFORM BILL. I understand that some have sincerely held concerns about

this legislation. It is therefore worth stressing what it will do – but also what it will not do. It will make the existing process of gender recognition less degrading, intrusive and

traumatic. In other words, it will make life easier for one of the most stigmatised minorities in our society. I think that is something any Parliament should feel a responsibility to do.

What it will not do is remove any of the legal protections that women currently have. We should never forget that the biggest threats to women’s safety come – as has always been the case –

from abusive and predatory men; from deep seated sexism and misogyny; and, in some parts of the world, from lawmakers intent on taking away basic freedoms and removing the rights of women to

control our own bodies.  That is why I can also confirm that in this Parliament we will invest £100 million to tackle domestic abuse and violence against women, and support the frontline

organisations who help them. And we will take account of the recommendations of the Working Group on Misogyny and Criminal Justice, which is due to report next year.  We will also take

forward our ground-breaking Women’s Health Plan. And move to incorporate key human rights conventions into domestic law.  Presiding Officer, We will also take forward a number of measures to

tackle longstanding concerns and address past injustice. We will introduce a FIREWORKS AND PYROTECHNICS BILL to tighten the law on the sale and use of fireworks and reduce the misery they

cause in communities.  We will make LEGISLATIVE CHANGES TO TACKLE IRRESPONSIBLE DOG OWNERSHIP.  And we will introduce the FOX CONTROL BILL to strengthen the law on the use of dogs to flush

foxes and other wild mammals.   Last, but by no means least, we will introduce the MINERS’ PARDON BILL to provide a collective pardon for those convicted of certain offences during the

1984/85 miners’ strike. I hope this will bring closure to those convicted, their families, and the communities affected. Presiding Officer, In the year ahead and over this Parliament, we

will continue our investment in and reform of education.  We will implement the recommendations of the OECD’s review of the curriculum.  We will continue work to close the poverty-related

attainment gap, with further investment of £1 billion over the course of the parliament.  Since the election, over £200 million has been provided to local authorities, head teachers and

other partners.  We will also provide funding for councils to recruit 3,500 additional teachers and 500 classroom assistants.  £50 million of this funding has already been allocated to

support the recruitment of the classroom assistants, and the first 1,000 teachers. We will reduce the cost of the school day.  Since the election, we have abolished music tuition charges and

extended universal provision of school meals to children in primary four.  Over the course of the parliament, we will extend free school meals to all primary school pupils all year round. 

We will also provide every child with an electronic device and a connection to get online – recognising that this is as essential to education today as jotters and pencils were in years gone

by. Support for children and young people is one of the key themes running through this programme. One of the landmark achievements of the last parliament was the expansion of free

childcare provision for 3 and 4 year olds, and vulnerable 2 year olds. In this parliament, we will go further. We will extend entitlement to funded early years learning to all 1 and 2 year

olds – starting with low income households.  And we will develop a system of wraparound childcare, offering care before and after school and during holidays.  This will be free for families

on the lowest incomes and available at an affordable cost to others. A delivery plan will be published over the coming year. We will also keep the promise made to care experienced young

people in the last parliament to ensure that all young people grow up loved and supported.  We will introduce a new Care Experience Grant, payable to young people with care experience

between the ages of 16 and 26, and we will complete a review of the children’s hearing system. We will do more to avoid children entering care by improving the preventative support available

to families before they reach crisis point.  A £500 million Whole Family Wellbeing Fund will support these services over this term of Parliament. And we will work with local authorities to

introduce a minimum national allowance for foster and kinship care We are determined to end child poverty.  The Scottish Child Payment – already benefitting eligible families with children

up to age 6 – will be extended to cover children up to age 16 by the end of next year. This year – ahead of full roll-out – we will make bridging payments for children eligible for free

school meals.  In our manifesto, we committed to increase the child payment from £10 to £20 per child per week by the end of this Parliament. That commitment stands but I can confirm today

our intention to deliver this as early within the life of the Parliament as possible. Given the scale of this commitment, it must be considered as part of the budget process. However, we

will set out how and exactly when this commitment will be met when we publish the BUDGET BILL – our firm intention is to do so sooner rather than later. The Scottish Child Payment sits

alongside the wider support provided to families and communities.  During this parliament, we will work to develop a minimum income guarantee.  The aim is to ensure, through a combination of

earnings, targeted payments and services, that everyone has a sufficient income to live with dignity.  A cross-party steering group to guide this has already been established and while this

work will be important for its own sake, I hope it will also lay the foundations for the introduction of a Citizens’ Basic Income when this Parliament has full powers over tax and welfare.

Presiding Officer, We will build on our investment in housing over the last parliament, to further improve the availability of good quality, affordable, energy-efficient homes.  I can

confirm that we will invest almost £3.5 billion in this parliamentary term to progress our commitment to an additional 110,000 affordable homes across Scotland. At least 70% of these will be

for social rent. This Scottish Government funding will support total investment of £18 billion. As well as delivering affordable homes, this investment will support up to 15,000 jobs.  By

the end of the year, we will also publish a new strategy for the rented sector.  This will include a commitment to an effective system of national rent controls and measures to strengthen

tenants’ rights.  We will also invest an additional £50 million to tackle homelessness and rough sleeping, and extend the transformative Housing First approach across Scotland, to ensure

access to secure housing and the support needed to tackle the wider causes of homelessness.  Presiding Officer, Our support for public services and families must be matched by support for

the economy. A fair, equal society and a strong, sustainable economy are not competing aims – they are interdependent. Businesses continue to be badly affected by the pandemic.  I am

grateful for the efforts of thousands of companies to keep workers and customers as safe as possible.  Just as they are supporting our collective efforts to tackle Covid, so too must we

support them. As we do so, we will work in partnership with business.  I can confirm that we will continue to deliver the most competitive non-domestic rates framework in the UK.  100% rates

relief will continue for the retail, leisure, aviation and hospitality sectors for the whole of this financial year.  And the small business bonus, the fresh start relief and the business

growth accelerator will all continue for the entire duration of this parliament.  We will promote growth sectors such as space and life sciences, and support key sectors such as tourism and

food and drink.  As part of this, we will introduce a GOOD FOOD NATION BILL in this parliamentary year. We will support our culture sector, recognising the benefits it brings to our economy,

international reputation and wellbeing.  We will do more to support local businesses.  Having already launched the Scotland Loves Local campaign to encourage people to do more shopping in

local communities, we will now launch a £325 million Place Based Investment scheme to revitalise town centres.  We will also support the rural economy.  In the next 12 months, we will launch

a fund for rural entrepreneurs to support the relocation or creation of 2,000 new businesses.   We will set out plans to support farmers after our forced withdrawal from the European Common

Agricultural Policy and consult on an Agriculture Bill to be introduced later in the parliament.  I can also announce that we will double the community land fund over the course of the

parliament – to support further community buyouts of land and property in rural and urban areas.  We will also support and promote the digital economy.  Our R100 programme will help make

superfast broadband available to every business and household in Scotland.  Our Connecting Scotland programme will help connect 300,000 households who might not otherwise have the means to

do so.  We have opened the £25 million Digital Boost Fund to help small and medium sized enterprises get access to skills and equipment.  And we will continue to implement the Logan Review

of the technology sector – for example by supporting tech scalers in 5 of our cities.  We will also enhance our international competitiveness by implementing the Vision for Trade.  We will

strengthen ties with Nordic and central European partners, by establishing Scottish Government bases in Copenhagen and Warsaw – adding to our existing network of overseas hubs.  And we will

introduce a MOVEABLE TRANSACTIONS BILL to make certain commercial transactions less expensive and more efficient and enable easier access to finance. Presiding Officer, We will do more to

promote fair work. We will apply fair work first criteria to public sector funding and contracts.  We will support pilots of a 4-day working week – backed by a £10 million fund for

participating companies.  And we will develop a longer term plan for the economy, designed to recognise and harness the benefits of decarbonisation. This 10 year strategy for economic

transformation will set out how we can, and will, become a net-zero economy in a way that enhances prosperity, equality and wellbeing.  When this strategy is published, we will also set out

the criteria for a new National Challenge Competition.  Backed by £50 million, this will fund projects with the greatest potential to drive and accelerate our net zero transformation. This

national work will be supported by Regional Economic Partnerships which will be established over the coming year.  We will also implement the recommendations of the Just Transition

Commission.  As an early commitment to this work, we will establish a ten year £500 million Just Transition Fund for the North East and Moray – recognising the particular challenges for the

region of the transition from oil and gas to renewable and low carbon sources of energy. We are also determined that this generation of young people will not bear the long term burden of the

pandemic. I can confirm that up to £70 million will be invested this year to support the Young Person’s Guarantee, intended to give all young people between 16 and 24 the guarantee of a

job, place in education or training, or formal volunteering opportunity.  That is part of a wider commitment to skills and employment across all age groups.  We will invest an additional

£500m to promote good and green jobs, address skills gaps and help people retrain.  This is essential to protect our economy from the severe consequences of Brexit, but also to achieve the

net zero transition. We have already established a Green Jobs Workforce Academy, and later this month we will make the first allocations from our £100 million Green Jobs Fund. We will also

work to secure greater benefit from the renewables and low carbon revolution for the Scottish supply chain – for example, through the current ScotWind leasing round.  And we will invest £200

million this year, and £1 billion over the parliament, in the Scottish National Investment Bank – which has as one of its key missions the transition to net zero.  Over this parliament we

will deliver capital investment of more than £33 billion. And in the coming year, we will start work to establish a National Infrastructure Company to ensure that all public infrastructure

investment delivers the greatest possible public good.  In summary, today’s programme aims to ensure that individuals and businesses are equipped to meet the challenge of the net zero

transition – and realise the benefits in the form of jobs, investment and revenue for our country. Tackling the climate emergency is a moral and economic imperative. In less than two months,

Glasgow will host COP26. It represents the world’s best chance – possibly the last chance – to limit global warming to 1.5°C in line with the Paris Agreement.  The Scottish Government will

do everything possible to support the success of the summit and secure a Glasgow Agreement that allows us to look future generations in the eye. To help support that outcome we must leader

by example. We must act fast to decarbonise heat and transport – just as we have already done for electricity. I can confirm today that we will invest at least £1.8 billion over the course

of this parliament to make homes and buildings easier and greener to heat. This will enable the decarbonisation of one million homes by 2030.  We will lead a green travel revolution.  By

2024-25, at least 10% of the transport budget will be dedicated to active travel. Building on the pilots underway, free bikes will be provided to children whose families cannot afford them.

  These policies will encourage healthier lifestyles and reduce carbon emissions.  They will also help our aim of 20 minute neighbourhoods – where people live within 20 minutes of key

amenities such as shops, services and green space. One of the most valuable assets in many communities is the local library.  Libraries don’t just provide access to books – vital though that

is. They also host a range of services that support wellbeing.  The pandemic has hit libraries hard and so to help, I am announcing today a fund of £1.25 million to help get and keep

libraries open, particularly in areas of deprivation.  I am also proud to confirm that from January everyone under 22 years old will be eligible for free bus travel.  By the end of 2023, the

vast majority of diesel buses will have been removed from Scotland’s roads. And by 2030 we will have ended the sale of new petrol and diesel cars. We have also started the process of taking

ScotRail into public ownership, and aim to complete this by March.  We will make progress in this Parliament towards full decarbonisation of Scotland’s railways by 2035 – this will include

trialling the first hydrogen-powered train later this year.   All of these measures will reduce Scotland’s overall car use by 20% by 2030 and significantly reduce transport emissions. 

Presiding Officer, We will also protect Scotland’s biodiversity and natural habitats. We will publish a biodiversity strategy by next autumn, which will be followed later in the parliament

by a Natural Environment Bill. This will establish statutory targets for restoring and protecting nature.  We will also designate a new national park, and ensure that 10% of Scotland’s

marine environment becomes highly protected. And over the parliament, we will invest £500 million in our natural economy –  restoring more woodlands, peatlands, and other natural habitats.

The climate crisis is inseparable from the nature and biodiversity crisis.  Scotland has a duty to show leadership on both.   Presiding Officer, This parliament must support the

transformational changes that will shape the next generation.  And as we begin our recovery from the pandemic, the year ahead will be crucial. In the face of the challenges we face, our

ambition must be bold.  This programme sets out clear plans to lead Scotland out of the greatest health crisis in a century and transform our nation and the lives of those who live here.  We

will deliver a National Care Service; double the Scottish Child Payment; and invest in affordable, energy efficient homes and green travel. We will ensure that businesses have the support,

and people the skills, to succeed in the low carbon economy of the future.  We will show global leadership in tackling the climate crisis. And we will offer people an informed choice on

Scotland’s future. This programme addresses our current reality, but it also looks forward with confidence and ambition to a brighter future.  It recognises that out of the many challenges

we currently face, a better Scotland – as part of a better world – is waiting to be built. And it sets out detailed plans to deliver it. I commend this Programme for Government to

Parliament.