Priorities for Sustainable Growth Outlined
Fair work and more efficient public services will be at the heart of Scotland’s economy, Deputy First Minister Shona Robison has pledged.
Plans to deliver real benefits to the people of Scotland through a strong, green economy, underpinned by the most progressive tax system in the UK, are outlined in the Scottish Government’s Portfolio Prospectus which pledges firm actions to be achieved by 2026.
These include:
- creating the UK’s most progressive tax system to deliver public services, tackle poverty and grow the wellbeing economy
- increasing the number of workers earning at least the real living wage, while narrowing the gender pay gap
- making Scotland a leading European start-up nation, in which more businesses are created and grow to scale
- growing international exports while diversifying into new markets
- laying foundations to produce 5 Gigawatts (GW) of hydrogen production by 2030, as part of a Scottish hydrogen supply chain
- implementing a New Deal for Local Government, including a fiscal framework, to tackle collective challenges and improve outcomes
The Scottish Government’s Policy Prospectus is based on three missions: equality, opportunity and community.
The focus on fairness in the Scottish Government’s new policy prospectus is critical.
GRAEME
We want a more prosperous Scotland where the benefit of that wealth is felt by all.
This means continued progressive taxation to properly fund effective public services, and ensuring more and more workers are paid the real living wage.
The focus on sustainability where economic growth is concerned is also central, and I welcome the key actions that have been set out in this regard.
The Scottish Government’s Policy Prospectus lays out the practical measures we will take to transform the economy, deepen our relationship with business and maximise the value of our public spending.
DEPUTY FIRST MINISTER SHONA ROBISON
Developing a wellbeing economy is not just good social practice, it makes sound economic sense. By focusing on strong public services, we can help disabled people, the long-term sick and those with caring responsibilities to get back into work. While paying a fair wage, and reducing the gender pay gap, can produce a committed workforce which in turn will help increase productivity and improve staff retention.
We will work in partnership with local government to update the way it is financed and improve collaboration. Underpinning this will be stable, sustainable public finances delivering people-focused public services and supporting Scotland’s net-zero goals. Our resources will be focused where they can have the maximum impact, such as laying the foundations of a hydrogen supply chain and supporting internationally competitive green technologies, health and life sciences and advanced manufacturing.
