Delivering for today, investing for tomorrow

The Scottish first Minister, Nicola Sturgeon, has delivered her ‘Programme for Government’ during a speech to the Scottish Parliament.

The First Minister has outlined major reforms and investment across the public sector, giving “a clear vision of the kind of country we want to be”.

Along with major reforms in mental health services, the Minister has confirmed a massive infrastructure investment programme, setting out the Scottish Government’s mission to achieve the most ambitious long-term level of infrastructure spend in Scotland.

The programme will see an additional £7Bn in investment, towards new schools, hospitals, transport, digital connectivity and clean energy by 2026.

Ms Sturgeon said that while UK infrastructure investment was lower than other major economies, her plans would raise it in Scotland to levels seen in other G7 nations.

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said: “Last year’s Programme for Government set us on a path to address the big challenges faced by Scotland and developed economies around the world and it presented a clear vision of the kind of country we want to be.

“This Programme for Government flows from that vision and builds on the progress of the last year and indeed the last decade.

“And it ensures that we remain focused on delivering for today and investing for tomorrow.

“It continues and accelerates the major reforms underway in our health, education and justice systems – underpinned by our new progressive system of income tax.

“It seeks to make further progress on tackling inequality and reducing poverty.

“It sets out the next steps in the operation of our new social security system.

“And it builds on our work to support Scotland’s economy and encourage innovation.

“As the terms of Brexit become clearer in the months ahead, we will consider and set out our view on how Scotland’s interests can best be protected and advanced.

“This Programme for Government will be impacted by Brexit, but it is not defined by it – instead it sets out how we intend to deliver on our vision of a healthier, wealthier and fairer Scotland.”

The major reform of mental health services, investment in infrastructure and legislation to underpin a Scottish National Investment Bank, are at the forefront of the Scottish Government’s priorities for the year ahead.