Government's action plan offers hope

Times are tough. Families here in Clackmannanshire and Stirling are feeling the squeeze.

- KEITH BROWN

Local businesses are working hard to stay afloat, and the wider world feels more uncertain than ever.

But amidst all that, the Scottish Government’s new Programme for Government (or PfG) offers something we all need — hope and reassurance.

The PfG is essentially the Scottish Government's annual action plan— Holyrood's version of the King's Speech. It sets out what the government intends to do in the year ahead. This year, it sends a clear and welcome message: we are on your side.

First Minister John Swinney acknowledged the scale of the challenges facing Scotland. But he also gave a clear commitment — that his government would always seek to do what is best for Scotland. And the policies in this Programme reflect that promise. At its heart is what's being called a Cost of Living Guarantee—a suite of policies designed to protect and support people through challenging times.

It's a long list, but each item makes a real difference to real lives:

• Lower income tax than in England for most Scottish workers

• Free prescriptions and eye tests