Programme for government: a summary for the culture sector
We’ve pulled together highlights from the programme for government, which may be of particular interest to the culture sector.
The programme for government is published every year in September. It sets out the actions government will take in the coming year. The programme for government 2022 to 2023 was published on 6 September 2022 and can be read on the government website.
Highlights
“Continue to support our national museums and galleries to ensure they remain free to access, of particular importance during the current crisis.”
“Publish a response to the report of our working group on Institutionalising Participatory and Deliberative Democracy, setting out how we can involve people and communities, government, and children and young people in democratic decision making.”
“Refresh our Culture Strategy Action Plan.”
“Bring forward a Scottish Languages Bill in this parliamentary term and explore the creation of a Gàidhealtachd; a designated area in Scotland with a high proportion of Gaelic speakers to receive additional support to sustain use of the language.
“Launch a consultation on Community Wealth Building legislation.”
“Local Visitor Levy, the Bill will create a discretionary power for local authorities to apply a levy on overnight visitor stays in accommodation, applying in all or part of their area, to help fund relevant local activities and services.”
“We will further support families by investing £20 million this year in the design of an all-year-round school-age childcare system and build the evidence base required to inform a high-quality learning and childcare offer for 1- and 2-year-olds.”
“Develop our Land Reform Bill, which will include measures to diversify land ownership and empower communities to benefit from the opportunities presented by nature restoration and the journey to net zero emissions. Launch a consultation to seek views on the evaluation framework which will be used to identify where Scotland’s next new national park or parks will be located.”
“Deliver our commitment to invest £60 million to renew play-parks in Scotland.”
“Continue to invest up to £75 million in place-based initiatives, which supports our most fragile communities and accelerate our ambitions for place and to help people live well locally.”
“Agree a New Deal between the Scottish Government and local government, including a fiscal framework, which will support: Working together to achieve better outcomes for people and communities especially on national priorities including addressing poverty, inequality, and supporting the economy. Balancing greater flexibility over financial arrangements with improved accountability. Providing certainty over inputs, outcomes and assurance, alongside scope to innovate and improve services. Recognising the critical role played by local authorities in tackling the climate emergency, for example through delivering our heat and buildings, waste, active travel and nature restoration goals.”
“Create new crofting opportunities through delivery of the National Development Plan for Crofting and continue working with stakeholders to look at legislative reform options to support the future of crofting and all of the benefits it brings to rural and remote rural mainland and island communities.”
“Accelerate progress to substantially eliminate the poverty related attainment gap, through implementing a refreshed approach to the Scottish Attainment Challenge and an investment of up to £200 million.”
“Deliver The Promise Implementation Plan, including investment of £50 million of Whole Family Wellbeing Funding this year to ensure care experienced people feel that national and local government, and services they interact with (including schools, health boards, and the third sector), are listening and putting their voice into action.”
“Invest a further £15 million in Children and Young People’s Community Mental Health and Wellbeing, and an additional £15 million in the Communities Mental Health and Wellbeing Fund for adults”
“Consult on proposals to restrict alcohol advertising and promotion later this year and, subject to the outcomes of the consultation, introduce legislation within the lifetime of this parliament.”
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