Programme for government 19/20 - Key features for community development
/The Scottish Government has published its programme for government for 2019/20, setting out the key areas of focus for the government, as well the specific legislation that will pass through parliament over the next 12 months.
There were a number of announcements of interest to community development practitioners and community organisations.
They include:
Delivery of a citizens’ assembly on Scotland’s constitution, building on work around Scotland’s participatory democracy.
A commitment to the Place Principle, with the development of local place plans, the allocating of £11 million from the Investing in Communities Fund for place-based work, and a new website to act as a central resource for promoting and implementing the Place Principle.
Continuing the work of the local governance review to explore how to improve decision making at a local level. Legislation for this isn’t due until the next parliament in 2021.
The publication of a Local Energy Policy Statement by the end of 2019, which aims to ensure that communities play an active role in planning for low carbon energy systems.
Consultation on a publish a Fuel Poverty Strategy to be published in 2020, which will set out how the government will address the drivers of fuel poverty for different communities.
The introduction of a new community right to buy for sustainable development by spring 2020 and other actions promoting the community right to buy land and buildings.
On health and social care integration, there will be the development of new statutory guidance for community engagement and participation, as well as a way to capture good practice and learning.
Ongoing work around Open Government and the implementation of the second Open Government Action Plan.
Introduction of a Good Food Nation Bill, one effort in tackling food poverty.
Establishment of a Women’s Health Plan to underpin actions to tackle women’s heath inequalities.
A new £5m Community Sport Bond that will fund community groups to acquire a share or control of their local sports club.
The National Taskforce for Human Rights Leadership will continue its work to establish a legislative framework for a Scottish Bill of Rights.
Legislation to incorporate the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child.
The government and COSLA will publish a joint Action Plan setting out how they will tackle racism and discrimination towards Gypsy/Travellers.
Introduction of new social security payments to reduce child poverty.
Find out more here.