Ensuring Scotland’s economic, health, and social recovery from the coronavirus pandemic is the focus of this year’s Programme for Government, published this week.
The First Minister Nicola Sturgeon set out the government’s plans for renewal while ensuring a green recovery is at the heart of the economic recovery, with job creation, support for health and well-being and work to tackle inequalities all high on the agenda.
The First Minister commented: “The COVID-19 pandemic continues to have a profound impact on our health and well-being, on business and the economy – indeed, on our whole way of life. That is true here in Scotland, and across the globe.
“Today’s Programme is clear that suppressing COVID is our most immediate priority – and it will remain so for some time.
“However, it also makes clear that we will not simply hunker down and wait for the storm to pass.
“This Programme for Government sets out plans for a stronger, more resilient and sustainable economy – with a laser focus on creating new, good, green jobs.
“We must treat the COVID-19 challenge not as a brake on our ambitions but as an accelerant – helping us shape a stronger, greener, fairer future.”
A new £100 million Green Jobs Fund will be created while a new Inward Investment Plan will create 100,000 high value jobs over the next decade and boost GDP.
Other measures include:
- £1.6 billion low carbon funding to secure a just transition to a net zero economy, including a £100 million Green Jobs Fund, investment in heat and energy efficiency and industrial decarbonisation
- a 20 year vision for energy efficient, zero carbon housing, with access to outdoor space, transport links, digital connectivity and community services
- £500 million for infrastructure to support active travel
The full document can be read here
