Focus on tackling cost of living crisis
Since taking office as First Minister, Humza Yousaf has been clear that he is determined to tackle the cost of living crisis and take bold action to eradicate poverty.
I am pleased that the First Minister is relentlessly focused on tackling these issues.
Difficult economic circumstances, exacerbated by the reckless UK Government’s fiscal decisions, has put significant pressure on households the length and breadth of Scotland.
To that end, the Scottish Government must do everything it can to make life better for the people it was elected to serve.
Recently, the First Minister chaired an anti-poverty summit, which brought together political leaders from across the Scottish Parliament, as well as poverty campaigners, third sector organisations, and people with direct experience of poverty.
The First Minister’s goal was to gather diverse perspectives on the cost of living crisis and develop bold strategies to tackle poverty in Scotland.
In the aftermath of this summit, I was pleased to hear the First Minister state that more must be done to address these issues, and that he was committed to using all the powers at his disposal to do so.
The First Minister’s commitment to taking tough decisions about existing budgets and future tax decisions is welcome, as it is only through such bold action that we can truly make progress on tackling poverty.
Of course, the Scottish Government has already put in place help to support those most in need, such as implementing the £25 per-week Scottish Child Payment, the Carer’s Allowance Supplement, and the Winter Heating Payment.
And last week, a further £4.5m of support was announced for after school and holiday clubs in disadvantaged areas.
This will ensure that safe, enjoyable spaces are available for children in the areas that have been most acutely impacted by the cost of living crisis.
I am wholeheartedly supportive of the First Minister’s policy priorities, and share his view that we must take decisive action to lessen the burden on households across Scotland.
Since coming to power in 2007, the SNP has taken decisions that have led to a better, fairer Scotland.
Policies such as the abolition of tuition fees, expanding free bus travel and offering free personal care to all those who need it have already made a massive difference to the lives of so many of our citizens.
I am delighted that, under Humza Yousaf, the SNP Government will continue this proud tradition of bold, progressive leadership with a focus on the issues that truly matter to the people of Scotland.