Programme for Government 2024-25
Eradicating child poverty, building prosperity, improving public services and protecting the planet will be the top priorities of the Scottish Government, First Minister John Swinney has pledged.
Outlining his first Programme for Government (PfG) as First Minister, Mr Swinney set out how the Scottish Government will deliver commitments that are ‘affordable, impactful and deliverable’.
The First Minister highlighted that child poverty is his ‘first and foremost’ priority and that he will reform support for whole family services to make them ‘easy to access, well-connected and responsive to families’ needs.’
Key announcements include:
- the expansion of Fairer Future Partnerships ensuring services work to help families by maximising their incomes – supporting parents back into work and improving their wellbeing
- ensuring the NHS has the resources it needs, today and in the years to come, freeing up 210,000 outpatient appointments and delivering around 20,000 extra orthopaedic, ophthalmology and general surgery procedures annually in Scotland’s new National Treatment Centres
- making Scotland more attractive for investment and promoting home-grown entrepreneurs and innovators
- delivering faster planning decisions for renewable energy schemes, protecting the planet by speeding up the transition to net zero
Despite incredibly challenging financial circumstances and continued austerity from the new Labour government at Westminster, the Scottish Government will do all in its power to continue on its central missions.
GRAEME
Tackling child poverty remains the utmost priority of this SNP government.
Under immense budgetary pressure, spending is being focussed where impact is greatest.
The SNP remains resolutely determined to make Scotland a more prosperous and fairer society.
This Programme for Government will ensure that the people of Scotland have every opportunity to live well, thrive, and see promise in their future.
FIRST MINISTER JOHN SWINNEY
This year’s commitments are affordable, impactful and deliverable. Together, they reflect my optimism that out of every challenge, we gain an invaluable opportunity to adjust our course, to interrogate our priorities and to renew our partnerships.
I have been clear about the financial limitations surrounding this Programme for Government due to UK Government spending decisions. In the face of these significant challenges, it is critical that we direct available funding towards our four priorities – eradicating child poverty, building prosperity, improving our public services and protecting the planet.
No child should have their opportunities, their development, their health and wellbeing, and their future curtailed by the material wealth of their family. Not ever, and certainly not, in a modern, prosperous society like Scotland.
This is not only the moral compass of my Government, it is the greatest investment in our country’s future that we can possibly make.
Background
Read the Programme for Government 2024-25
Read the First Minister statement to the Scottish Parliament, 4 September 2024
The First Minister also confirmed Scottish Government plans to introduce 14 Bills over the course of the 2024-25 parliamentary year – alongside 12 Bills already before the Scottish Parliament – including:
Adults with Incapacity Bill
The annual Budget Bill
Building Safety Levy Bill
Climate Change (Emissions Reduction Targets) Bill
Community Wealth Building Bill
Criminal Justice Modernisation and Abusive Domestic Behaviour Reviews Bill
Crofting Bill
Heat in Buildings Bill
Leases (Automatic continuation etc.) Bill
Misogyny Bill
Natural Environment Bill
Post-School Education Reform Bill
Prisoners Bill
UEFA EURO 2028 Bill
More information about the planned new Government Bills can be read on gov.scot
