Sturgeon to reveal programme for government

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon will today lay out her government’s legislative programme for the last session of the Scottish Parliament before the 2016 elections.

She is expected to present plans to close the attainment gap in Scottish education and plans to extend support for vulnerable people by using the new welfare powers contained in the Scotland Bill.

However, Ms Sturgeon will be forced to announce the programme before the outcome of the UK government’s spending review, which will be published in November.

The spending review is expected to lay out a plan to make significant cuts to Scotland’s block grant, prompting the Scottish government’s decision to delay the publishing of its draft budget until after the spending review is completed.

Ms Sturgeon said: “This government has a record to be proud of. Against a backdrop of reduced resources we have delivered high quality public services which have improved the lives of people in this country.

“Scotland’s foundations are strong and this programme for government sets out how we will build on them in the years ahead.

“Our vision for the coming decade includes how we will creatively and ambitiously use the limited new powers proposed in the Scotland Bill.

“On social security, employment, the work programme, the Crown Estate and taxation, the coming year will see the Scottish government set out clear plans to use all the powers at our disposal to benefit the lives of individuals, communities and business across Scotland.”

She added: “As we enter the final parliamentary session of this current term, the programme for government will build on our progress and set out how we will continue to deliver for people right across Scotland, making the country wealthier and fairer and protecting the public services that we all cherish.”