Commenting on Scottish Government’s Programme for Government 2024-2025, Miriam Brett, Co-Director of Future Economy Scotland, said: 

“The focus of the Programme for Government on child poverty eradication is welcome amid a backdrop of corrosive austerity, under-funded public services, and the cost-of-living crisis. Key to achieving this will be the commitment to introduce long-term rent controls. Future Economy Scotland polling revealed that 82% of people across Scotland support the introduction of rent controls. 

“If harnessed effectively, the world’s first Community Wealth Building Bill can be a powerful framework to decarbonise and empower local economies. The Land Reform Bill represents an important milestone in Scotland’s land reform journey. However, the bill lacks ambition on restoring nature, fiscal reforms and tackling the housing crisis.  

“The publication of the final Energy Strategy and Just Transition Plan is long overdue, and it is critical that it adheres to the scientific evidence that no new oil and gas fields are incompatible with climate targets. We look forward to the government’s green industrial strategy, but the devil will be in the details. 

“The announcement of £500 million in cuts undermines the Scottish Government’s ability to make legislation transformative. While UK fiscal constraints have undeniably negatively impacted Scotland’s public finances, the Scottish Government is not powerless. All redistributive measures to raise revenue should be explored - including by replacing council tax with a system of progressive taxation on property and wealth.” 

ENDS

NOTES TO EDITORS 

[1] To request an interview with a spokesperson or for any other questions please contact press@futureeconomy.scot or call Miriam Brett on 07428 192437

[2] Future Economy Scotland is a non-partisan think tank that aims to create a new economy that is democratic, sustainable and just. The organisation does not have a formal stance on Scotland’s constitutional future, and is not aligned to any political party or any politician. The organisation is a not-for-profit company limited by guarantee operating with charitable principles. For more information visit: www.futureeconomy.scot