- Think tank says the status quo is not an option for the 2026-2031 term
- Director Chris Deerin: “Difficult decisions and political courage are required”
Enlighten, the independent public policy institute which works to promote increased economic prosperity, opportunity for all, and more effective public services, today releases its manifesto ahead of the 2026 Scottish Parliament elections.
In the manifesto, Enlighten challenges all parties to come up with a credible delivery plan for public service reform, and for honesty about the scale of the challenge ahead.
Enlighten’s manifesto contains specific policy recommendations including:
- A review of all universal benefits – are they fair, are they delivering value for money and are they helping the most vulnerable in society?
- Devolving on-shore Corporation Tax to Holyrood and creating a competitive tax environment alongside a greater understanding of the value of entrepreneurship to the Scottish economy.
- Creating a Scottish road and rail Infrastructure Commission, and implementing a feasibility study to look at pay-as-you-go road pricing
- Directly elected mayors and the devolution of local taxation
The full manifesto, which also covers education, health and justice, can be read here.
Chris Deerin, Director of Enlighten, said:
“Against a backdrop of declining tax revenues, a shrinking working-age population, and growing demand for services, the status quo is no longer an option. In the next parliament, Scotland must shift away from a politics which focuses on spending, inputs and “freebies”, to one centred around outputs, service delivery and value for money.
“The 2026 Scottish election must represent a break from the continuity of mediocrity, low ambition and even failure that we have become accustomed to.
“Our public services are badly in need of reform. We all know it, but are yet to hear a credible plan of delivery from any of the parties. Income taxes may be higher for many Scots than for their counterparts elsewhere in the UK, but there is little sense of value for money, while questions remain about the ongoing impact on the nation’s competitiveness.
“There is no more money – and there are no easy answers. Difficult decisions and political courage are required.”
ENDS
NOTES TO EDITORS
- The manifesto can be read here.
- Enlighten is a public policy institute which works to promote increased economic prosperity, opportunity for all, and more effective public services. Enlighten is independent of political parties and any other organisations. It is funded by donations from private individuals, charitable trusts and corporate organisations. Its Director is Chris Deerin and Alison Payne is the Research Director. Both work closely with the Trustee Board, chaired by Lord McConnell, which meets regularly to review the research and policy programme.
- For Enlighten media contact Andy Maciver, [email protected], 07855 261 244