Eleanor Service |
Over the past week, the Scottish Government has released a comprehensive document outlining the ambitions they harbor for the coming year, known as ‘Scotland’s Legislative Programme for 2017-18’. With the Scottish Government’s website introducing it as, “A Nation With Ambition: The Government’s Programme for Scotland 2017-18”, they are clearly attempting to make a bold statement, capable of convincing the public of the strides they will make to improve Scotland as a whole, and the lives of its citizens. To show that they aren’t simply sitting twiddling their thumbs. So, what goals have they set for the next 365 days?
Essentially, the ‘Programme’ outlines the Government’s intentions to introduce 16 separate new bills, ranging from matters of budget to the subject of organ and tissue donation. Here, we will take each one on its own and examine it more closely, to determine what the Government intends with each one.
Climate Change Bill
This bill outlines “ambitious” new goals for the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, and will also introduce changes in Scotland’s four biggest cities, with the induction of low emission zones to this effect.
First Minister Sturgeon also set out a further target, to phase out new petrol and diesel cars and vans by 2032, eight years prior to the UK government’s target year of 2040.
Transport Bill
This contains provisions affecting ‘smart ticketing’ on pubic transport and intends to help solve the issue of “obstructive and inconsiderate parking”.
It communicates intentions to adjust the role of the Scottish Road Works Commissioner to allow them to better serve in their capacity, and to alter the regulation of road works as a whole. Lastly it includes ideas to enhance local bus services.
Land and Buildings Transaction Tax Bill
This wordy bill will make changes to the laws surrounding second home ownership and will also make it possible for Additional Dwelling Supplements to be reclaimed after the fact in some cases.
Education Bill
This is perhaps on of the most important bills given in this document, as it will take forward the programme of education reform which was initiated by the last parliament.
The bill contains plans to create a head teachers’ charter, enhance parental and community engagement as well as reinforcing children’s voices in support of pupil participation, which has been lacking in recent years.
Claims were also made by the Government to provide a “fair anf transparent funding system”.
Minimum Age of Criminal Responsibility Bill
This lengthy title covers a highly important topic, as this bill will raise the minimum age of responsibility by four years, from eight to twelve. Ms. Sturgeon has iterated that this is consistent with “international laws”.
The First Minister also declared that the Scottish Government would not obstruct or oppose John Finnie’s proposals to prohibit the physical punishment of children.
Planning Bill
The Scottish government claims that as a result of this bill, communities will have better opportunities to influence the future of their area.
This bill also contains plans for a “simpler, more effective” system of development plans so it is easier to understand and explain how future areas will develop.
Prescription Bill
This legislation uses the recommendations of a Scottish Law Commission Report to ensure the law of “negative prescription” is clear and fair. This concept establishes the time period in which an aggrieved person has to voice their claim in court.
Sexual Offences (Pardons and Disregards) Bill
This bill deals with a highly sensitive and controversial topic, and makes some distinct changes.
It will make sure that anyone convicted of offences related to same-sex sexual activity that has since been made legal will be automatically pardoned.
This bill also allows those who received said pardons to apply to have these convictions wiped from their record.
Safe Staffing Bill
This bill will make good on a promise to enshrine in law the principles of safe staffing in the NHS. It has been designed to make sure that nationally agreed upon workload and workforce planning tools are given.
Organ and Tissue Donation Bill
This bill will establish a “safe” opt-out system for the authorisation of organ and tissue donation and is designed to allow more lives o be saved by organ donation, although the specifics are not entirely clear.
Budget Bill
Ms. Sturgeon has also declared that she would work with all parties to open a discussion on income tax in Scotland.
The bill as a whole provides parliamentary approval for the Scottish Government’s spending plans.
Crown Estates Bill
This sightly minor bill will create a base for the management of Crown Estate assets. It aims to make sure that Scotland’s local communities, industries and authorities can benefit from this alteration.
Damages Bill
The bill will alter the law on Personal Injury Discount rate as a result of a joint consultation with the UK government. It will also allow courts to issue periodical payment orders when making an award of damages for personal injury.
Management of Offenders Bill
This bill will contain measures to allow new technologies to be used for electronic monitoring, as this allows the sort of monitoring used as part of more community sentences and orders.
It will also lower the length of time which lots of people will have to self-disclose previous offences made and make the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 more accessible for individuals and employers making use of the bill.
Vulnerable Witnesses and Pre-recorded Evidence Bill
The bill constructs on a review of evidence and procedure by the Scottish Courts and Tribunals Service.
It will remove legislative barriers to allow the greater use of pre-recorded evidence for child and vulnerable adult witnesses.
Warm Homes Bill
This bill will declare a new statutory target on fuel poverty which the Scottish Government said would further progress on this issue.
It will also contain measures to enhance the energy efficiency of Scotland’s Homes.
All these bills, ranging from minor to major, are all vital for you to know in order to fully understand the political future of our country, and what they want to do next.
This document is a long and overly complex one, but it contains some fascinating tit bits out how the future will look. The question is though, will the Government and First Minister make good on their promises? Or are they all talk and no action? Only time will tell.
