The Scottish Greens have hailed their role in negotiating a transformative budget that promises significant improvements for both people and the planet. Thanks to their tireless efforts, vital investments have been secured in climate action, public services, and child poverty reduction, marking a major step forward in tackling Scotland’s most pressing challenges.
Key Wins for the Green Party
The Scottish Greens’ negotiations have secured numerous significant gains for the country, including:
- Climate Action: A record level of investment to tackle the climate crisis, ensuring Scotland remains on track for its environmental commitments.
- Public Services: Additional funding for local services, including schools, social care, and bin collections, reinforcing the foundation of Scotland’s public infrastructure.
- Transport Accessibility: Free ferry travel for young islanders and free bus travel for asylum seekers, helping to improve accessibility and reduce transport costs.
- Housing: An increase in taxes for second and holiday homes, aimed at helping first-time buyers enter the housing market.
These measures are part of the Greens’ broader vision to create a fairer and more sustainable Scotland.
Fighting Child Poverty and Hunger
A particularly notable achievement for the Scottish Greens is their success in securing free school meals for thousands more S1-S3 pupils. This initiative builds on the extension of universal free school meals to P4 and P5 pupils, which the Greens had previously championed. The aim is to combat child hunger and reduce the financial strain on families, taking significant strides toward eradicating hunger in schools across Scotland.
Transforming Transport Accessibility
To address the cost of living, the Scottish Greens have also focused on transport costs, with plans to pilot a year-long scheme in one region where bus fares will be capped at £2. This initiative aims to make public transport more affordable for all and, if successful, could be expanded nationwide.
Building a Sustainable Future
As part of their commitment to preserving Scotland’s natural heritage, the Scottish Greens have secured more funding for nature restoration, ensuring the country’s ecosystems receive the attention and resources they need for long-term health.
A Fairer, Greener Budget for Scotland
Ross Greer, the party’s finance spokesperson, emphasized the importance of these changes, saying: “As a direct result of Green negotiations, this budget will lift more children out of poverty, make buses cheaper, and help tackle the climate crisis.”
He also criticized the lack of action from the Scottish Labour Party, stating that while the Greens fought for significant changes, Labour “allowed the SNP’s budget to pass without securing a single change of their own.” Greer’s remarks highlight the Greens’ commitment to working pragmatically for the benefit of families in need and Scotland’s environment, contrasting sharply with other political parties’ inaction.
