Green agenda in historic programme for government
The First Minister has laid out an agenda heavily influenced by the Scottish Greens, in her first programme for government following the cooperation deal between the two parties.
Working in government, the Scottish Greens will lay the foundations for a Just Transition to a low-carbon economy and a new deal for tenants over the next year.
The strategy for the private rented sector will be published by the end of the year and will include proposals for a system of rent controls.
There will also be increased funding for home energy schemes and to tackle fuel poverty, part of at least £1.8bn investment in net zero buildings contained in the cooperation agreement between Scottish Greens MSPs and government
Commenting, Scottish Greens co-leader Patrick Harvie said: “This is a historic programme for government, the first with a Greens agenda anywhere in the UK. I’m proud we will lead efforts to lower the emissions produced by Scotland’s buildings, and the increased investment announced by the First Minister will begin that work.
“This programme for government paves the way for a just transition for workers too. This includes the £500 million Just Transition Fund for the North East and Moray, where alternative jobs in low carbon industries are most needed.
“I’m also proud to be leading a new deal for tenants. Our strategy will be published this year and will propose a system of rent controls that will tackle spiralling costs for those in the private rented sector.”
The cooperation agreement commits the Scottish Government to grow onshore wind, invest in active travel, public transport and a green industrial fund, and bring in new protections for nature, including the establishment of at least one new national park.
The parties will collaborate to bring forward overdue equalities legislation like the overdue GRA reforms, which are included in the programme for government. Further land reform legislation and a new bill on a new referendum on independence for Scotland are to come.