Scottish Government unveils 2026-2031 Programme for Government

First Minister John Swinney has unveiled the Scottish Government’s Programme for Government for 2026-2031, outlining a major modernisation of public services. A central pillar of the plan is a significant structural reform of the NHS, which includes replacing the 14 current territorial health boards with two strategic health boards to reduce waiting times and increase treatment capacity.

The programme includes several social and economic measures, such as increasing the Scottish Child Payment to £40 per week for eligible infants starting in 2027-28, investing £205 million in winter heating payments, and establishing a national breakfast club for primary schools by August 2027. Additionally, the government plans to expand childcare support to 52 weeks a year by 2031 and expand the £2 bus fare cap nationally.

In response to the programme, the SCA welcomed the government’s commitment to community empowerment and wealth building. The organization noted that the plan to strengthen local governance provides an opportunity to reinvigorate local democracy, though it emphasized that success will depend on whether communities gain genuine influence over decisions and resources rather than just consultation opportunities.