It’s only a week since Nicola Sturgeon announced Scotland’s Programme for Government, just seven days since Liz Truss became the new Prime Minister.
Last Thursday, the STUC organised a mass demonstration and rally at the Scottish Pariament to campaign for a better deal for Scotland’s workers.
Coverage of the event was overshadowed by unfolding events at Balmoral, but when Scotland slowly returns to ‘normal’ life after Her Majesty’s funeral on Monday attention will turn once again to the outstanding political issues facing our country.
Responding to the Programme for Government last week, STUC General Secretary Roz Foyer said: “Today’s Programme for Government shows what can be achieved through industrial action and collective campaigning.
“The Scottish Government is to be commended for freezing rents. If implemented correctly – and we are pressing for further answers – this will help thousands of households across Scotland when they need it most.
“When used, the powers of our Parliament can bring positive change This must now extend to Scotland’s tax powers. There are constraints but it simply isn’t true that Scotland has a finite budget. The Scottish Government could raise millions from income, wealth and business taxes. The Local Visitor Levy is a step in the right direction in this regard.
“In a cost-of-living emergency, we need strides – not steps. The Scottish Government could have coupled the welcome increase in the Scottish Child Payment with expanding universal free school meals to all. It’s a political choice not to feed hungry children; a choice we’re unwilling to accept.”
