Day in, day out: How your SNP Government is working for you
Even though Scotland can breathe a sigh of relief at seeing the back of fourteen years of Tory government, the challenging times remain.
Inefficiency at Westminster is hampering economic growth and the success of our public services. Reckless political choices will continue to be made, like the new Labour government steadfastly holding on to the cruel two child limit.
In Scotland, a different story is being told. We have a smaller, more effective parliament. And your dedicated SNP Scottish Government is committed to evidence-based policies that benefit everyone who lives here.
A far cry from the culture wars of the Conservatives or Labour’s inclination to ignore the major issues of the day.
From health to education to turbocharging our economy, here’s all you need to know about how the Scottish Government is defying the constraints of Westminster and delivering real results for you – and all of Scotland.
Tackling waiting times
Under the SNP, our precious NHS has seen fundamental reform. We have the most GPs per head of the population, the best performing A&Es in the UK, and the only NHS workforce to avoid pay related industrial action.
We’ve abolished charges for prescriptions, dental checkups and hospital car parking – and we spend more than England on front line health per person.
But post-pandemic challenges have seen waiting lists rise far too high and the Scottish Government is determined to tackle the issue head on.
Labour’s plans to rely on the private sector alone just won’t work. That’s why we have allocated £30 million to reduce waiting lists and help people receive the care they need.
Investing in transport and travel
We recognise the need for efficient and stable infrastructure in a diverse country like Scotland – particularly when it comes to securing economic growth.
The Scottish Government has begun the procurement process for seven electric ferries to serve Scotland’s island communities.
We’re also investing in new rail links, reconnecting communities like Leven to Scotland’s rail network with the opening of its new station.
And funding for dualling projects will see the planned dualling of the A9 fully completed by 2035.
Growing our economy
A record 142 inward investment projects were secured by Scotland in 2023. That makes Scotland the only part of the UK to record growth for five consecutive years.
Among the top growth sectors for foreign direct investment (FDI) projects are utility supply, digital tech, business services and transport & logistics.
As always, boosting economic growth is dependent on infrastructure investment and sensible economic policies – both of which your SNP Scottish Government is committed to pursuing.
Supporting our energy sector
From anchoring new supply chains to investing in our energy infrastructure, your SNP Scottish Government is delivering real results in securing a bright future for our diverse energy sector on which so many businesses, people and communities depend.
Renewable technologies generated the equivalent of 113% of Scotland’s overall electricity consumption in 2022, new statistics show.
This is the highest recorded to date, and a 26 percentage point increase compared to 2021.
The Scottish Government is taking action to scale up renewable technologies to transform and expand Scotland’s clean energy generation sector.
And it has just pledged a new fund to invest in cutting edge carbon capture – putting Scotland at the forefront of technological innovation and helping us to achieve our climate ambitions.
It is also working to ensure Scotland maximises the economic benefits the sector will bring through commitments such as providing up to £500 million to leverage private investments to support infrastructure and the offshore wind supply chain.
Providing homes for all
We’ve introduced rent controls and protections for tenants who just want an affordable place to call home.
Your SNP Scottish Government has also made £3.5 billion available in this parliamentary term towards the delivery of more affordable and social homes.
Despite the challenges of austerity, Brexit and the mini-budget – all Westminster blunders that have hampered investment, productivity and growth here in Scotland – since 2007, Scotland has seen over 40% more affordable homes delivered per head of population than in England. And over 70% more than in Wales.
We have already delivered 21,092 homes towards our next target of 110,000 affordable homes in Scotland by 2032.
Things are better in Scotland
From independence to our moderate, centre-left values, the SNP’s beliefs are driven by a mission to increase living standards and make Scotland a better place to call home.
We’re resolutely committed to Scotland being a fairer, greener and wealthier country.
Average house prices are lower. Rent controls exist to protect tenants. Scottish families don’t pay water charges. Our railway is nationalised and peak time rail fares have been abolished.
Prescription charges have been scrapped. University tuition is free. The Scottish Government mitigates the Labour Government’s punitive bedroom tax that targets Scotland’s most vulnerable families. And game-changing innovations like the Scottish Child Payment are lifting more than 100,000 children out of poverty.