JOHN Swinney will say today he is “optimistic” about cutting child poverty – despite presiding over cuts worth £500 million.
The First Minister is set to deliver his first Programme for Government since taking office, detailing his political priorities for the next year.
On Tuesday night, Swinney that the Scottish Government would concentrate its efforts on “measures focused on our single greatest priority of eradicating child poverty”.
It comes just a day after Finance Secretary Shona Robison (below) outlined a major package of budget cuts which critics said would see Scots across the country “scarred for generations to come”.
Speaking ahead of today’s announcement, Swinney said: “No one’s opportunities should be determined by the circumstances they are born into, which is why this year’s Programme for Government will prioritise measures focused on our single greatest priority of eradicating child poverty.
“To do this, we will support the whole family in ensuring they can access the help they need, when they need it.
“We already have a strong track record of improving the lives of children across Scotland, including through our game-changing Scottish Child Payment and expansion of early learning and childcare.”
The First Minister argued that the Scottish Government’s current policies had kept 100,000 children out of relative poverty this year.
Swinney (below) also pointed to research from the Child Poverty Action Group that poorer families in Scotland £28,000 better off by the time their child turns 18, compared to families across the UK.
He said: “These provide strong foundations for this year’s Programme for Government, but we are determined to go further. Even as we face unprecedented budgetary constraint, I am optimistic that we can still greatly enhance the lives of children and their families.
“We also know that investment in public services, growing our economy and tackling climate change all contribute to improving lives and livelihoods.
“That is why this Programme for Government is also focused on delivering the right care in the right place, prioritising the development of renewable energy to reach net zero and working with businesses to grow a stronger and more inclusive economy.”
The Programme for Government is a major set piece event in the Scottish political calendar which allows the First Minister a chance to put forward his plans for the country for the year ahead.
This year, the Scottish Greens – who the SNP may rely on to pass a Budget in December – have called for a ban on conversion therapy and the introduction of a Human Rights Bill.
Elsewhere, Scottish Labour have pinned the blame for fresh budget cuts squarely on the SNP.
Party leader Anas Sarwar said: “NHS waiting lists are at a record high, the attainment gap is widening in our schools, our justice system is at breaking point and SNP financial chaos means more cuts are looming.
“This is a Government that has grown out of touch and run out of ideas.”
