Scotland’s First Minister has pledged to deliver “the best cost-of-living support across the UK” alongside major NHS investment, as he unveiled the 2025–26 Programme for Government.
Speaking on the first anniversary of his appointment and one year before the current parliamentary term ends, John Swinney outlined a broad package of policies aimed at easing financial pressures, tackling health backlogs, and strengthening Scotland’s economic resilience amid global uncertainty.
Headline commitments include 100,000 additional GP appointments by March 2026 focused on managing key health risks like high blood pressure and obesity, alongside more than 150,000 extra NHS procedures and appointments, including a 50% rise in surgeries such as hip and knee replacements.
“This Programme for Government is focused on providing the best cost-of-living support across the UK, as well as delivering a renewed and stronger NHS,” said the First Minister. “When I became First Minister a year ago, I heard loud and clear people’s concerns about the NHS, which is why I am taking serious action to ensure the NHS meets the needs of the public.”
Key cost-of-living measures include the permanent abolition of ScotRail peak fares, free prescriptions, eye exams, tuition and bus travel for 2.3 million Scots, and restored winter fuel payments for pensioners. The general alcohol ban on ScotRail services will also be lifted, replaced by more targeted restrictions.
The government will also launch a new Six Point Export Plan to help Scottish businesses access global markets, and a national regeneration fund to support at least 26 community renewal projects, with a focus on local job creation.
Housing was also high on the agenda, with new rights and protections for tenants and investment in more than 8,000 affordable homes, including social and mid-market properties. Barriers on stalled building sites will be removed to unlock up to 20,000 additional homes.
“This Programme for Government also shows decisive action to protect Scotland’s economy and maximise our economic potential in the face of global challenges,” said Mr Swinney. “It is a programme for a better Scotland, for a stronger NHS and a more resilient and wealthier Scotland. It is a Programme for Government that gets our nation on track for success.”
