On the 3 September the Scottish Government announced their programme for the year ahead with the publication of the 2019-20 Programme for Government. Entitled Protecting Scotland’s Future, the programme unveiled 14 new Bills, as well as non-legislative announcements.
Ending Scotland’s contribution to climate change and securing a positive future for generations to come are the focus of this year’s Programme for Government. The programme sets out how the Scottish Government will:
· build a successful, fair and green economy
· improve outcomes through public services
· create communities where everyone is valued, protected and respected
One of the 14 new Bills is the Good Food Nation Bill, which will be introduced this year, will provide a statutory framework for efforts to promote healthier and more sustainable local produce.
In line with this, by autumn of next year the Scottish Government aim to make improvements to school meals. It will set maximum limits for the consumption of red processed meat; increase the amount of fruit and vegetables served; reduce the amount of sugar available; and encourage the use of fresh local produce.
The programme also includes a commitment to bring forward a Bill on Restricting Foods Promotions in next year’s legislative programme, to restrict the promotion and marketing of food and drink high in fat, sugar or salt.
Another of the Bills announced is the Circular Economy Bill which aims to advance ambitions for the circular economy, including encouraging re-use of products and resource waste.
Other measures include:
· investment of more than £500 million to improve bus infrastructure across the country to encourage more people to use public transport
· decarbonise Scotland’s railways by 2035 and make the Highlands and Islands the world’s first net zero aviation region by 2040
· launch of a new Scottish Low Carbon Heat Funding Invitation through our Low Carbon Innovation Fund, targeting a minimum £30 million of support for renewable heat projects
· develop regulations so that new homes from 2024 must use renewable or low carbon heat
· targeting a minimum of £30 million of support for renewable heat projects
· taking forward planning to mitigate the worst consequences of a ‘no deal’ Brexit
Bills for introduction in 2019-20 are as follows:
· Animal Health and Welfare (Amendment) Bill
· Budget Bill
· Circular Economy Bill
· Civil Partnership Bill
· Continuity Bill
· Defamation and Malicious Publication Bill
· UEFA European Championship Bill
· Forensic Medical Services (Victims of Sexual Offences) Bill
· Good Food Nation Bill
· Hate Crime Bill
· Heat Networks Bill
· Redress (Survivors of In Care Abuse) Bill
· Rural Support Bill
· Transient Visitor Levy Bill
