There has been a mixed reaction to the Programme for Government announced by First Minister, John Swinney, on 6 May.

Free Prescriptions and Restoring the Winter Fuel Payment: Scotland’s Programme for Government

Independent Age has welcomed the SNP Scottish Government’s restoration of  the Winter Fuel Payment for Scottish pensioners this year, with the poorest receiving the most. This is a universal Pension Age Winter Heating Payment. In Winter this year pensioners in Scotland in receipt of a relevant benefit will continue to receive payments of £200 or £300, depending on their age. Every other pensioner household will receive a payment of £100.

The charity, however, felt that there was more that could be done to tackle poverty in older people.

Debbie Horne, Scotland Policy and Public Affairs Manager at Independent Age said:

“With 156,000 older people across Scotland currently living in poverty – an increase of 30% the last decade – the need for a clear strategy to address this is more urgent that ever. Our polling shows that people of all ages in Scotland agree that a strategy to reduce pensioner poverty should be created – with 9 in 10 supporting the idea.  Without one, people facing financial hardship in later life will continue to struggle to maintain even the most basic quality of life. 

“Poverty at any age is extremely damaging to both mental and physical wellbeing.

“In a compassionate and wealthy society, this shouldn’t be the case. Both the UK and Scottish Governments need to take action. If the Scottish Government wants to make Scotland the best place to grow old and tackle the injustice of pensioner poverty it is essential they have a plan for doing so.” 

The Programme for Government confirmed that free prescriptions in Scotland would continue. As part of the cost-of-living guarantee concessionary travel for those eligible would also continue. If you are 60+ in Scotland you can apply for concessionary travel which gives you free bus journeys around Scotland. The National Entitlement Card scheme also allows for free travel for companions where required by eligible disabled people of any age (including children under 5).

There is a strong thread throughout the document on reducing child poverty, and supporting families and young people. Section 2 of the Programme is dedicated to Eradicating Child Poverty. It begins by summarising actions already taken:

Swinney declared tackling child poverty his government’s national mission and promised to publish  a Tackling Child Poverty Delivery Plan 2026-31 this year.

The Child Poverty Action Group commented that the Programme lacks scale and urgency.

John Dickie, Director of the Child Poverty Action Group (CPAG) in Scotland said:

“The First Minister is right that his government “must go further” on child poverty. Existing investment in social security, funded childcare and housing are already helping to drive down child poverty in Scotland despite Westminster policies increasing it across the UK.

“But this Programme for Government lacks the scale and urgency needed to meet statutory targets never mind achieve the FM’s ambition to eradicate child poverty altogether. Looking ahead to the 2026/27 Budget process we will need to see a rapid ratcheting up of investment, including a substantive boost to the Scottish child payment in line with what independent experts say is needed if targets are to be met.

“Over the coming year struggling families desperately need to see the Scottish government and opposition parties alike set out clear plans, backed by evidence of projected impact, charting how they will meet the 2030 child poverty targets they collectively and unanimously agreed. There is no credible route to eradicating child poverty that doesn’t involve further serious investment in social security, childcare, affordable family housing and action to support parents access decent jobs.

“With all the focus on Holyrood it is also important to remember that the Westminster government also needs to step up to the plate and use the levers at its disposal to stem rising UK-wide child poverty, starting with the scrapping of the two-child limit in the UK benefit system. We need both governments to work together to end this scandal of child poverty in a rich country.”

In Scotland, there is no limit to accessing welfare if you have more than two children. The UK Labour Government has continued with the Tory’s Two-Child Benefit Cap (aka The Rape Clause). There are also payments in Scotland to support children, families, and cared for young people, that do not exist in rUK.

In Scotland the Baby Box is available to all who wish one. It is applied for through the mother’s midwife. All newborn babies in Scotland can get a box of essential items, containing things like:

• clothes, from newborn up to 6 months
• a digital under arm thermometer
• bath and room thermometer
• a bath towel
• a changing mat
• books

The box also has a:

• mattress
• mattress protector
• 2 fitted sheets

Find out more about what’s in the Baby Box on Parent Club.

Social Justice Secretary in the Scottish Government Shirley-Anne Somerville explained:

“The Baby Box is a welcome gift for every baby born in Scotland. It ensures that every family with a new-born has access to essential items needed in the first six months of a child’s life, like clothes, books and thermometers – saving expectant parents around £420.”

Fiona Grahame

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