IPPR Scotland sets out practical proposals in the run-up to Programme for Government

29 Apr 2025

Press Story

Making significant progress on the first minister’s four key priorities would require a policy programme more radical than any introduced so far under devolution and major increases in public spending, IPPR Scotland has said in the run-up to the Programme for Government next week.  

In a new briefing paper, the think tank has set out practical, deliverable proposals for the PfG, focussed on Swinney’s four core priorities—eradicating child poverty, growing the economy, tackling climate change, and ensuring high-quality and sustainable public services. The report argues that progress on these priorities can be made within existing financial constraints over the coming year. 

The briefing paper acknowledges the major global and domestic challenges of recent years and recognises that long-term fiscal pressures are likely to intensify in the wake of lower growth and higher inflation occasioned by US president Donald Trump’s trade war.  

In light of these challenges, the paper proposes ways in which the Scottish government might start to build real impetus across all four priorities including a multifaceted approach to eradicating child poverty, accelerating green industrial strategy delivery, adopting a mission-led approach to climate policy, and setting out a serious plan for long-term public service reform and funding. 

Stephen Boyd, IPPR Scotland director, said: 

"Scotland stands at a critical juncture. If the government moves decisively in the right direction and recognises the scale of investment required, progress on the first minister’s priorities is not impossible. Our proposals offer a practical, achievable and ambitious way forward for the coming year." 

AVAILABLE FOR INTERVIEW: 

Stephen Boyd, IPPR Scotland Director, is available for interviews. 

CONTACT: 

Sukhada Tatke, media and impact officer at IPPR Scotland s.tatke@ippr.org 07901169121  

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