Bold legislation requires care

Given she has described it as the “defining mission” of her government, it should come as no surprise that education is a main plank of the legislative programme outlined by First Minister Nicola Sturgeon yesterday.

No-one would argue against the need to close the attainment gap, a considerable undertaking that will require all of John Swinney’s acumen, but so too must he ensure that the wider changes to Scotland’s education system are carried forward as part of a consensus.

His predecessor, Angela Constance, had a strained relationship with the rank and file of the teaching profession, the legacy of criticising their aptitude and attitude.

By contrast, Mr Swinney has the ability to build relationships, a quality that will be essential come December, when the Scottish Government is scheduled to publish the first school by school information on the numbers of children meeting the required levels of curriculum for excellence. Such information is sensitive and Mr Swinney must ensure he takes a positive approach.

If education is a key feature of Ms Sturgeon’s legislative push, there are other worthwhile ambitions that should not be overlooked.

The new Child Poverty Bill, which will establish Scotland as the only part of the UK with statutory income targets on child poverty, is an essential instrument and one which will hopefully make inroads in addressing a deep seated problem.

Cumulatively, what has been announced constitutes a impressive and thoughtful programme of legislation, but delivering it will be a considerable challenge, and many taxpayers will be sitting back thinking it looks as if they will left paying more as a consequence.