First Minister Alex Salmond today set out the Scottish Government's programme for the coming year.
In a statement to the Scottish Parliament, the First Minister outlined the Government's priorities contained in the document 'Towards a More Successful Scotland'.
The First Minister said that action - both legislative and non-legislative - would build on the efforts of the past year in protecting and creating jobs, supporting communities and investing in the education, skills and industries for Scotland's recovery and future success.
The 13 proposed bills include plans to tackle alcohol misuse, allow for the construction of a vital new Forth Crossing, end the right-to-buy for all new social housing, and pave the way for a referendum to allow the people of Scotland a free and fair choice on the country's constitutional future.
Mr Salmond said: "Economic recovery is central to our programme for the year ahead.
"We are determined - in all we do - to support jobs and communities across the country in these tough economic times, building on our strong record of delivering for the people of Scotland.
"With £500 million being cut from the Scottish Budget by the UK Government next year, the circumstances in which we operate will become more trying. But none of this diminishes our determination or ambition for Scotland," he said.
Over the past year the Scottish Government have implemented an Economic Recovery Plan to support 15,000 jobs.
They have outlined a £35 billion infrastructure investment over the next decade, and have accelerated £350 million of capital spending to support jobs and projects across the country.
He continued: "The Forth Crossing Bill will enable us to deliver a once in a generation infrastructure project that is crucial to our economic future.
"Social housing provides a secure and sustainable alternative to home ownership for 600,000 households in Scotland.
"Our Housing Bill will safeguard that housing for future generations by ending the right-to-buy for all new-supply social housing.
"Alcohol misuse costs Scotland £2.25 billion a year in extra services and lost productivity - nearly one-tenth of Scotland's annual budget.
"A Bill to Tackle Alcohol Misuse will introduce innovative measures to reduce alcohol consumption and alcohol-related harm, with a minimum pricing policy at its cornerstone."
The FM stated that just as the government are working to earn the trust of the people, they also have trust in the people of Scotland's desire for a more modern partnership with the other nations on these Isles.
He also believes in giving the people that choice, in a referendum on Scotland's constitutional future: "We will be asking Parliament to show the same trust in the people by supporting our Referendum Bill.
"Independence is the key to unlocking Scotland's full potential and giving our nation the best opportunity for prosperity.
"Independence is at the very heart of our nation's future success, and giving Scotland the chance to choose the economic levers that come with independence has never been more relevant or urgent."
(GK/BMcC)
Time and date
CONSTRUCTION DIRECTORY
Latest Construction News
26/11/2024
Scottish Water has unveiled its largest-ever procurement initiative, aiming to modernise the nation's water and wastewater infrastructure while safeguarding the environment. The program, named Delivery Vehicle 4, is valued between £5 billion and £9 billion and is set to run from 2027 to 2033, with ...
26/11/2024
The City of Edinburgh Council has granted planning permission, subject to conditions, for the refurbishment of Calton Square, an office building currently occupied by Baillie Gifford until the end of December 2025. Promoted by Ardstone Capital on behalf of Manova Partners, the project aims to ...
26/11/2024
First Minister John Swinney, MSP for Perthshire North, praised the progress being made on the construction of the new Perth High School during a visit on Friday, 22 November. He was joined by Jim Fairlie, MSP for Perthshire South and Kinross-shire, alongside senior Perth and Kinross Councillors, ...
26/11/2024
A state-of-the-art playpark has officially opened at King George V Park in Bearsden, following the completion of a £100,000 refurbishment. Funded by a combination of East Dunbartonshire Council (EDC) Capital Funding and the Scottish Government’s Renewing Scotland’s Play Parks initiative, the ...
26/11/2024
Fife Council has launched a public consultation, inviting residents, businesses, and organizations to contribute ideas and propose sites for inclusion in the next Local Development Plan, known as Fife's Place Plan. The council is calling on community councils, landowners, and developers to share ...
26/11/2024
The Chief Executive of East Lothian Council has announced she is to retire in February 2025. Monica Patterson who has been Chief Executive for almost five years, has spent most of her professional career working in local government. Prior to joining East Lothian Council in 2010, she was Head of ...
25/11/2024
West of Scotland Housing Association (WSHA) and Connect Modular have jointly submitted a planning application to Glasgow City Council for the development of 33 affordable homes in Cowlairs. This project aligns with the wider Cowlairs Park regeneration scheme and the city's ambitious housing ...
25/11/2024
Arc-Tech (Scotland) has successfully completed a £6m Mechanical and Electrical (M&E) services package for the Lost Shore Surf Resort in Edinburgh. The state-of-the-art resort, which opened its doors earlier this month, features a range of amenities, including a wave pool, luxury lodges, and ...
25/11/2024
Scottish Water has successfully completed the construction of a groundbreaking hydro energy generation scheme at Whiteadder Reservoir in East Lothian. This innovative project, believed to be the first of its kind in Europe, will harness the power of water to offset a significant portion of the ...
25/11/2024
Work is set to commence on a £6.5 million project to upgrade the Double Dykes Gypsy/Traveller site near Perth. The initiative aims to replace outdated chalets with modern, energy-efficient accommodation and implement significant site improvements. Perth & Kinross Council secured £3.9 million from ...