Delivering our plan for Scotland

by Liam Furby
Posted on
7 years ago
2 min read

It’s been just over two months since Nicola Sturgeon announced the SNP Scottish Government’s plans for the next year but a lot has already been achieved in that short time.

Here’s how we’re delivering on our plan for Scotland.

A group has been established – chaired by Jon Sparkes, Chief Executive of the homelessness charity Crisis – to look at how we can meet the new national objective of eradicating rough sleeping.

The First Minister has confirmed that Scotland’s new social security agency will be based in Dundee, with a further site in Glasgow. At least 1,500 jobs will be split evenly between the two cities.

Five walking and cycling projects have been awarded a share of over £22 million investment, part of our plan to double annual investment in active travel.

The First Minister has announced that a Young Carers Grant will be introduced from summer 2019, part of a package of support for young carer.

We’ve confirmed that interim arrangements for a new South of Scotland Enterprise Agency will be in place by the end of the year.

A new Business Growth Accelerator has been announced, ensuring new build properties don’t pay Business Rates until they’re occupied and tenants won’t pay rates for their first 12 months – a UK first.

The first-ever Maths Week Scotland has been launched and the Read Write Count scheme was expanded to help pupils improve numeracy and literacy skills.

The Health Secretary has confirmed the extension of free personal care to everyone who requires it, regardless of age.

Fracking has been banned in Scotland.

A publicly-owned, not-for-profit energy company will be established by the end of this Parliament to deliver renewable energy to consumers for as low a cost as possible.

Scotland’s first Low Emissions Zone (LEZ) will be established in Glasgow by the end of the next year.

Free sanitary products will be available in schools, colleges and universities from August next year.

 

A new £20,000 bursary will be introduced for those wishing to change career and become a teacher in priority science, technology, engineering or maths (STEM) subjects.

 

A ‘world first’ Land Rights and Responsibilities vision has been published.

 

The First Minister has led a high-level delegation to the Arctic Circle Assembly in Iceland.