Support for First Minister’s Priorities
First Minister Humza Yousaf has set out his bold, ambitious vision for government – based on the values of equality, opportunity and community.
Among other measures, it includes pledges to tackle child poverty by investing further in the Scottish Child Payment, as well as supporting a Just Transition in the North East, helping to deliver high-quality green jobs and meet our net zero commitments.
You can see the full Scottish Government publication here, or click here to read Humza Yousaf’s speech to Parliament.
The vision was welcomed by a wide range of key stakeholders across Scotland. Here’s a rundown of their responses.
Really positive to see Humza Yousaf re-affirm the Scottish Government’s commitment to new duties to prevent homelessness today. By allowing people to get help earlier, and widening responsibility for prevention, we can build a truly world-leading system.
CRISIS SCOTLAND
A positive step to help to address the housing emergency by freeing up more housing stock… It is to be welcomed that proposals are being brought forward that recognise how empty homes can be part of solutions, rather than simply being seen as problems, for communities.
SCOTTISH EMPTY HOMES PARTNERSHIP
He has signalled a reset with the Scottish business community so the Scotch Whisky industry and other sectors can help the Scottish Government drive economic growth. We welcome Humza Yousaf’s statement on DRS & the Alcohol Marketing Consultation.
SCOTCH WHISKY ASSOCIATION
To tackle poverty we need to be bolder on taxation and the redistribution of wealth, says Humza Yousaf. We agree and are looking forward to engaging with him on this subject at his upcoming anti-poverty summit.
OXFAM SCOTLAND
Pleased to see continued commitment from Humza Yousaf in new Scottish Government programme to public transport affordability, traffic reduction, active travel investment and decarbonising buses & rail.
TRANSFORM SCOTLAND
Welcome commitment today from Humza Yousaf and Mairi McAllan to continue international advocacy for loss and damage funding. Scottish Government can continue & enhance leadership by increasing funding through new & additional sources of finance raised by making the biggest polluters pay most to continue international advocacy for loss and damage funding.
STOP CLIMATE CHAOS SCOTLAND
We’re pleased to see a further pause to the Scottish Government’s National Care Service Bill. We hope that Ministers will use the time to deliver clarity about how its proposals will make it easier for people with Parkinson’s + others to access the care they need.
PARKINSON’S UK SCOTLAND
The First Minister clearly recognises the need to rethink how his administration engages with business and implements its plans. We look forward to continuing to work with the Scottish Government to ensure that the voice of our smaller businesses and the communities they serve is heard at every stage of the policymaking process.
FEDERATION OF SMALL BUSINESSES IN SCOTLAND
This is a positive first step from the government towards addressing the resetting of the relationship with the business community. We are ready and willing to work constructively with the Scottish Government to develop a world-leading economy that attracts investment, creates jobs, and is globally competitive.
SCOTTISH CHAMBERS OF COMMERCE
We are encouraged to see economic growth as one of the three main pillars in the proposals set out by the new First Minister today, with particular emphasis on supporting business and maximising trade.
ABERDEEN & GRAMPIAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
Furthermore, there’s recognition that the North East of Scotland must be at the heart of this strategy — capitalising on the industrial, supply chain and employment opportunities which will stem from energy transition
