- Priorities for sustainable growth outlined
Fair work and more efficient public services will be at the heart
of Scotland’s economy, Deputy First Minister has pledged.
Plans to deliver real benefits to the people of Scotland through
a strong, green economy, underpinned by the most progressive tax
system in the UK, are outlined in the Scottish Government’s
Portfolio Prospectus which pledges firm actions to be achieved by
2026.
These include:
- creating the UK’s most progressive tax system to deliver
public services, tackle poverty and grow the wellbeing economy
- increasing the number of workers earning at least the real
living wage, while narrowing the gender pay gap
- making Scotland a leading European start-up nation, in which
more businesses are created and grow to scale
- growing international exports while diversifying into new
markets
- laying foundations to produce 5 Gigawatts (GW) of hydrogen
production by 2030, as part of a Scottish hydrogen supply chain
- implementing a New Deal for Local Government, including a
fiscal framework, to tackle collective challenges and improve
outcomes
The Deputy First Minister was joined by Wellbeing Economy
Secretary on a visit to Dear Green Coffee
Roasters in Glasgow – a company based on fair work principles and
sustainability which embodies the vision for a wellbeing economy.
Ms Robison said:
“The Scottish Government’s Policy Prospectus lays out the
practical measures we will take to transform the economy, deepen
our relationship with business and maximise the value of our
public spending.
“Developing a wellbeing economy is not just good social practice,
it makes sound economic sense. By focusing on strong public
services, we can help disabled people, the long-term sick and
those with caring responsibilities to get back into work. While
paying a fair wage, and reducing the gender pay gap, can produce
a committed workforce which in turn will help increase
productivity and improve staff retention.
“We will work in partnership with local government to update the
way it is financed and improve collaboration. Underpinning this
will be stable, sustainable public finances delivering
people-focused public services and supporting Scotland’s net-zero
goals. Our resources will be focused where they can have the
maximum impact, such as laying the foundations of a hydrogen
supply chain and supporting internationally competitive green
technologies, health and life sciences and advanced
manufacturing.”
Background
The Scottish Government’s Policy
Prospectus is based on three missions: equality,
opportunity and community.
Dear Green roasts speciality coffees to sell online and to the
hospitality industry. It is a B-Corp – balancing profit with
people and the planet – and promotes sustainability and fair work
practices. The company pays the real Living Wage and donates a
portion of its turnover to supporting charities.
