First Minister sets out legislative programme for government

The First Minister, Nicola Sturgeon, yesterday outlined a comprehensive programme of legislative action intended to creat “a more opportune Scotland for all”.

Her proposals included consultations on impending social security powers and new legislation to cut climate change in half by 2020.

Ms Sturgeon said: “I want to consult on social security legislation as soon as possible, in order to introduce a bill into Parliament during the first year of this government and beginning work to establish a Social Security Agency.

“Our new responsibilities will give us the chance to develop a social security system which respects the dignity if individuals as human beings. Rather than stigmatising those with disabilities, or those who cannot find work, we will value their potential and help them contribute to society.”

Pledging to be bolder on climate change, the First Minister outlined a new plan to introduce legislation establishing a new and more testing target for 2020 – one of reducing Scottish emissions by at least half of its current level.

She said: “We will look for support across the chamber for the bold – and sometimes controversial – actions we will need to take to meet that target.”

Also announced yesterday was a plan to introduce a Warm Homes Bill, making use of existing powers to tackle fuel poverty and new powers over energy efficiency.

MSPs also heard proposals to implement land reform legislation and introduce a register of controlling interests to increase transparency of land ownership in Scotland.

Ms Sturgeon said: “We will continue our work to get more land into community ownership and make land ownership more transparent.

“The Land Reform Act, passed at the end of the last Parliament, provides a strong basis for taking our land reform agenda forward and I can confirm today that over the summer we will progress our commitment to introduce a mandatory public register of controlling interests in landowners.”