Commenting on today’s Programme for Government, Director of Enlighten, Chris Deerin, said:
“This was undoubtedly the most radical Programme for Government for many years, and the general direction of travel should be welcomed. Government will be ‘rewired and reimagined’, promised the First Minister.
“The structural changes planned for Scotland’s health boards and its quangos are profound, but will need to be managed carefully. So, too, the reforms to local government: greater regionalisation must not lead to councils becoming ever more distanced from the communities they serve. It is a shame the SNP remains opposed to directly-elected mayors, which we believe would bring vibrancy and engagement back to local democracy.
“John Swinney talked about greater collaboration across parliament between the parties – this is essential if meaningful change is to be achieved in relation to our public services. There is now a responsibility on the opposition parties to engage with the ideas set out in the Programme for Government and help find ways to shape and deliver them. But there is also a responsibility on the Government to listen and adapt.
“The First Minister talked about breaking through silos – good. He talked about public services making a shift to early intervention and prevention – good. He has begun a three-month engagement process on reform of the NHS and social care – good. A Major Projects Office that will unlock new projects and investment and a Scottish high-growth unit – good. More autonomy for headteachers – good.
“However, for too long Holyrood and the Scottish Government have been strong on rhetoric and weak on delivery. Hard decisions have been avoided to the point that red lights are flashing all across the policy dashboard. The political debate has been about inputs rather than outcomes, and the public services have suffered heavily as a result. Public confidence in Scottish politicians and their ability to deliver changes and improvements is worryingly low. And it remains unclear how the Government intends to bridge the near £5 billion funding gap it faces towards the end of this parliament – when ‘hard decisions’ are talked about, this is the hardest decision of all.
“We will deliver what we have promised’, Mr Swinney insisted. On that, for now, the jury will and must remain out.”