7 Key Expectations for the Scottish Government’s 2024–25 Programme for Government

7 Key Expectations for the Scottish Government’s 2024–25 Programme for Government

As the Scottish Government prepares to unveil its 2024–25 Programme for Government, there are critical expectations from various stakeholders, particularly from the Consortium advocating for human rights, social justice, and community well-being.

These expectations highlight the need for transformative policies that place the well-being of all people in Scotland, especially the most vulnerable, at the forefront of governmental priorities.

Here are the seven essential asks from the Consortium for this year’s Programme for Government:

1. Scottish Human Rights Bill
   The Scottish Government must commit to introducing a Scottish Human Rights Bill by February 2025. This Bill should not only enshrine enforceable duties on human rights but also enhance access to justice and strengthen accountability mechanisms. Immediate planning for its implementation is crucial to ensure that Scotland leads in the protection and promotion of human rights.
2. Reform of Civil Legal Aid
   A comprehensive reform of Civil Legal Aid is urgently needed. The Scottish Government should prioritise this by publishing a consultation on the necessary legislative changes in 2024–2025. Ensuring that legal aid is accessible and adequately funded is essential for upholding the rule of law and ensuring that everyone can access justice, regardless of their financial situation.
3. Access to Basic Necessities
   The Scottish Government must take decisive actions to guarantee access to safe housing, affordable transport, adequate income, and dignified access to healthy food for all residents. This includes funding the construction of new social homes, expanding concessionary travel schemes, increasing the Scottish Child Payment, and providing universal free school meals. These measures are fundamental to reducing poverty and inequality across Scotland.
4. Prison Reform and Safety
   Urgent action is required to address the concerning issues within Scotland’s prison system. This includes reducing deaths in custody, tackling overcrowding, and improving prison conditions, particularly by replacing outdated facilities like HMP Barlinnie. Additionally, the government must ensure that the Fatal Accident Inquiry (FAI) process is more effective and timely, providing justice and closure for affected families.
5. Addressing Hate Crime
   The rising trend in hate crime must be confronted with robust policies and resources. The Scottish Government should improve data collection on hate crimes, increase funding for reporting centres, and implement a comprehensive Hate Crime Delivery Plan. Furthermore, ensuring that communities are well-informed about their rights is vital in fostering a safer, more inclusive society.
6. Protection of Disabled People’s Rights
   The rights of disabled people must be protected and enforced, particularly in the face of challenges such as higher fuel costs. The Scottish Government must ensure that disabled people receive adequate support to live with dignity and independence. This includes addressing systemic barriers and ensuring that policies are inclusive and supportive of disabled individuals’ needs.
7. Reinstating Free Bus Travel for Asylum Seekers
   The decision to cancel the Free Bus Travel pilot for asylum seekers must be reversed, given its negative impact on their integration and increased risk of isolation, especially in light of recent far-right riots. If the programme cannot be reinstated, the Scottish Government must take immediate steps to ensure that asylum seekers are not further marginalised and have access to essential services and opportunities for community integration.

Conclusion

These seven expectations are not mere requests but necessary actions that the Scottish Government must take to build a just, equitable, and human-rights-based society.

By addressing these key areas in the 2024–25 Programme for Government, Scotland can make significant strides in protecting human rights, promoting social justice, and ensuring that every resident can live with dignity and respect.

The Consortium urges the Scottish Government to consider these priorities with the seriousness they deserve, as they reflect the voices and needs of some of the most vulnerable populations in Scotland.