How public service reform will be the ‘defining task’ of this parliamentary termpublished at 14:56 BST
14:56 BST
Glenn Campbell
BBC Scotland Political Editor
John Swinney is on deadline to deliver on his promises
for the first 100 days of a reelected SNP government.
That is why the Scottish government has already published
draft legislation to cap food prices on a basket of essential items in large
supermarkets. This is for consultation.
We should also expect news of when the £2 bus fare cap
already operating in the Highlands is to be extended across west central
Scotland. This could take effect as early as next week.
The first minister should also outline the Scottish
government’s plans for public service reform.
This should be the centrepiece of the programme because
ministers have already described it as the “defining task” of this term at
Holyrood. There’s even a cabinet minister for this specific task.
We know that the Scottish government wants to
significantly reduce the number of health boards and other public bodies under
its control.
The intention is to save some money and make service
delivery more efficient and more personalised.
Expanding childcare, tackling NHS waiting times and
measures to address what the first minister has described as the “epidemic” of
violence against women and girls are also expected.
Everything that is proposed comes at a time when
financial watchdogs are warning that public spending at current levels is
unsustainable, so while today’s statement is not a budget it should acknowledge
the need to keep public finances stable.