REBUILD SCOTLAND

The Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party Manifesto 2021 OUR PLAN TO REBUILD SCOTLAND

1. FULL FIBRE BROADBAND ROLLOUT

2. £2 BILLION EXTRA FOR OUR NHS

3. £500 SKILLS GRANT FOR EVERYONE

4. RECRUIT 3,000 MORE TEACHERS

5. MORE LOCAL POLICING

2 Contents

Introduction 3 End Division. No Referendum. Rebuild Scotland. 5 Driving Scotland’s economic recovery 7 Rebuilding our communities 21 Restoring world-class Scottish education 27 Supporting our NHS 31 Tackling crime & putting victims first 38 Representing rural Scotland & our natural environment 41 Protecting the most vulnerable in our society 49 Ensuring the Scottish Parliament works in the national interest 53 Prioritising our recovery 55

The Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party Manifesto 2021 2 Introduction

Scotland stands at a crossroads. We are And so, Scotland faces a choice. To continue UK Government. emerging from over a year of restrictions put with our recovery or to allow the SNP to in place to tackle coronavirus. pursue a referendum. We cannot have both. But we will not be able to achieve any of that if the SNP win a majority in this election, Those restrictions closed shops and schools, A second independence referendum would which they will take as a green light to hold they separated families and friends. On a damage our economy. Just like in 2014, it a second referendum. national level, they have done incredible would divide our country when we all need damage to our economy, but they have also to pull together to rebuild. So the only way we can choose to affected every single one of us personally. continue with recovery is by stopping that If we continue with our recovery, we can get SNP majority and their plans for another Coronavirus has sadly cost the lives of over our Scottish Parliament 100 per cent focused independence referendum. 10,000 Scots. However, the pandemic also on getting our economy growing and united us around protecting what mattered. supporting our public services. On the things And just like in 2016, the only way that we that really matter to you and your family. can prevent that outcome is if voters come We came together as communities to together and give their party list vote to the follow the rules and help each other We can deliver full fibre broadband for every Scottish Conservatives. through this. The UK and Scottish household and business in our country by Governments largely worked together 2027. We need to stay on the road to recovery to support the whole country – such as to prevent coronavirus resulting in a lost protecting over one million Scottish jobs With a growing economy, we can increase generation of Scots. through furlough and vaccinating 2.6 the NHS budget by £2 billion. million Scots in just four months. Only the Scottish Conservatives can keep We can give every single Scot access to our country united and focused on our We are almost at the end of this health £500 for training, every year. national recovery from the pandemic. crisis. Yet, we then face the long and difficult task of rebuilding the Scottish economy, of We can restore our schools by recruiting Let’s secure our recovery and rebuild getting businesses back to earning a living 3,000 teachers. Scotland together. and creating jobs for those people who have been left unemployed. This will require And we can ensure that there is more local the same collective national effort that saw policing to keep your streets safe. us through the worst days of lockdown. Those are just a few examples from this However, the SNP now want to take manifesto of what we can do with a Scottish Scotland off the road to recovery. Nicola Parliament working in the national interest. Sturgeon has said that she wants to hold an Of the positive programme we can take Douglas Ross independence referendum when we are in forward, if we get all of Scotland’s parties to Leader of the Scottish Conservative the “recovery phase” from the pandemic. focus on our recovery from the pandemic & Unionist Party and if we work with rather than against the

3 4 End Division. No Referendum. Rebuild Scotland.

Coronavirus has affected every single of both of our governments to focus on If the SNP win a majority then they will person in Scotland. Lives and livelihoods delivering that recovery, so that our public hold a referendum and put their political have been damaged, and we have all services and economy can rebuild fully obsession ahead of our national interest. faced moments when it has seemed like it from the pandemic. At the Scottish Parliament Election, voters is just too much to bear. The pandemic has have the chance to say no to a second been an awful tragedy that has cut the size This is a monumental task of national independence referendum by denying the of our economy by a tenth and claimed the importance. That is why it is incredible that SNP a majority. Without a majority they will lives of 10,000 Scots. It has also had deeply the SNP believes that now is the right time to not be able to pursue a referendum and personal effects, isolating us from friends hold a second independence referendum. will need to focus instead on rebuilding our and family, disrupting learning and work Nicola Sturgeon has said that she wants country. A Scottish Parliament without a and stopping us from doing the activities to hold that vote in the first half of the next majority means that all of Scotland’s parties we enjoy. Parliament and SNP ministers and senior will have to work together in a national effort MPs have called for it to be held later this to deliver our recovery. However, thanks to the tremendous success year. The SNP have also committed to hold of the UK vaccination programme, which has that referendum regardless of whether it is At the last Scottish Parliament Election, more seen over 2.6 million Scots receive their first agreed by the UK Government or not. If the than 500,000 Scots backed the Scottish dose in just four months and over 500,000 SNP win control of our Parliament, they Conservatives with their party list vote and receiving their second, we are now lifting will hold that referendum at the earliest together we stopped the SNP from winning restrictions and can begin to see an end to opportunity. a majority and taking forward their plans the lockdown and the pandemic. We will for a divisive referendum during the last be able to get our lives back and renew our Just when we have gone through a health five years.Together, we can stop them relationships with family and friends again. crisis and are deep in the middle of an again. As the largest opposition party, we economic crisis, the SNP want to start a can stop a referendum and get the Scottish Yet we cannot forget, with the promise political crisis – one that would consume Parliament laser-focused on delivering our of happier times ahead, the deep scars our Parliament and our politics just like it recovery from coronavirus. The other parties that coronavirus has left across Scotland. did in 2014. That would be the last thing are too weak to prevent a majority and will Our people and our nation need time to our country needs to recover from the not stand up to the SNP. rebuild and to heal so that a generation is pandemic. It would damage our recovery not permanently affected by the pandemic. by distracting attention away from our In this election, Scotland faces a choice Children need to catch up on a year of economy and public services. It would divide between an SNP majority government missed schooling, businesses need to get our country, set the Scottish Government pushing for another divisive referendum back to regular trading and our NHS needs against the UK Government, and divide or a Scottish Parliament working to rebuild to be supported to get through a backlog our communities, turning friends and family our country. Only a party list vote for of delayed operations, put on hold because against one another, just when we all need the Scottish Conservatives can stop a of coronavirus. Our economy is not to pull together to rebuild. We cannot referendum again and secure our recovery expected to recover to pre-pandemic levels recover with a referendum hanging over from coronavirus. until 2024. It should be the only priority our future.

5 OUR LEGISLATIVE PROGRAMME As part of a Scottish Parliament focused 100 per cent on our national recovery from coronavirus, the Scottish Conservatives would bring forward the following legislation to rebuild Scotland:

VICTIMS BILL ENTERPRISE BILL NHS FUTURE FUNDING BILL ARTS BILL LOCAL POLICING BILL COMMUNITIES BILL CIRCULAR ECONOMY BILL NATURE BILL ANIMAL WELFARE BILL AGRICULTURE BILL ARMED FORCES & VETERANS BILL FREE SPEECH BILL SCOTTISH PARLIAMENT REFORM BILL REFERENDUM (REPEAL) BILL NON-DOMESTIC RATES REFORM BILL

6 Driving Scotland’s economic recovery Our economy is not an abstract concept, The UK Government’s furlough and self- their family. No one should want to work it concerns every single job and business employment income support schemes, but be unable to get a job. in our country. It affects the wages of which have protected over one million workers and the resources that we Scottish jobs, were a lifeline for many We need to be focused now on preventing have to fund public services. Over the workers. However, we have seen the unemployment and helping those who past 14 years, Scotland’s economy has SNP repeatedly fail employers. Promised become unemployed to find work. That is never been the top priority of the SNP funding has taken months to pay out and why the Scottish Conservatives believe Government. many businesses have found themselves that achieving full employment should having to meet the costs of fighting be the number one priority for the next The restrictions put in place to manage coronavirus alone. Scottish Parliament. We would deliver a the coronavirus pandemic have done Scottish economic recovery focused on severe damage to our economy. 2020 The Scottish Conservatives believe that creating good jobs in every part of our saw the sharpest recession on record, supporting our economy to recover country. with the Scottish economy shrinking by will be the foremost challenge that the a tenth. The Scottish Fiscal Commission Scottish Parliament faces over the next Supporting businesses as we estimates that our economy will not five years. If we do not back businesses reopen our economy recover to pre-pandemic levels until 2024, and support growth then we will hold back with unemployment expected to almost our recovery and people will lose their Throughout this pandemic we have faced double later this year. While the rollout of jobs. In 2014, we saw job creation and a difficult balance between protecting vaccinations may be bringing an end to investment decisions delayed because lives and livelihoods – between taking the restrictions, their legacy on our economy of the Independence Referendum. We necessary action to control coronavirus will last for much longer. need to stop an SNP majority and another and shutting down large sections of our divisive referendum so that our economy economy. So many people are worried The cycle of easing and tightening can recover and grow. about the future of their job or their restrictions has seen shops, restaurants business. and pubs expend savings as they have Our number one priority been forced to close for protracted It is essential that we continue to support periods. Many businesses that have not The economic impact of the coronavirus businesses, to protect jobs and our been directly affected by the restrictions restrictions is going to make unemployment economy, in the immediate term as we have still seen their customer base a key challenge in coming months, ease restrictions. That is why we led the shrink or have suffered as a result of despite the support provided through UK opposition within the Scottish Parliament supply chains drying up. Sadly, there are Government job support schemes. The for increased engagement, tax reliefs and businesses that have closed their doors Scottish Conservatives believe that every support from the SNP Government for for the last time and many people who single person should have the right to business. The Scottish Conservatives have lost their jobs. work, to earn a living for themselves and would take a cautious approach to

7 easing restrictions but one that does introduction of new restrictions, in the The Small Business Bonus Scheme means not leave them in force when the data instance that they are required for a future that a business premises with a rateable suggests we can safely reopen faster. local or national outbreak. value of £15,000 pays nothing in tax, whereas a business with a rateable value We also need to ensure that the needs of Delivering competitive business of £15,001 pays tax of £5,513. We would employers are represented at the heart of rates retain the Small Business Bonus Scheme decision making as we recover. We would and introduce a more tapered scheme on establish a standing Business Recovery The pandemic has shown us very clearly rates relief for businesses with a rateable Council, to ensure that the interests of that the current system of taxing non- value of £15,000 and £20,000 to remove business and our economy are central to domestic property does not work for the cliff edge on relief. our plan to rebuild Scotland. many businesses. Physical retailers find themselves paying higher taxes than their The Barclay Review made some important Throughout this pandemic, the Scottish online competitors, despite the latter often contributions, but we are nearly four years Government has been slow to pay out supporting fewer local jobs and generally on from its publication and it was hindered grant support and many businesses enjoying lower costs. Hotels struggling by the SNP’s decision to make it a cost have found themselves ineligible for to make ends meet are counted as neutral review. We need to be prepared to payments. The SNP has created over 40 large businesses and pay a supplement go much further in reassessing the way we business funds and in some parts of the because they occupy a large property. tax business. The Scottish Conservatives country employers have been waiting The system for assessing the rateable would undertake a wholesale review of months for applications to be processed. value of properties is underpinned by the business rates system before the end That is why we would introduce a legislation set in 1854. of the Parliament. This work would be 10-working day national standard for informed by the ongoing review in England. all grant applications to be processed, To support businesses to recover from with support for councils that are lagging the pandemic and prevent a cliff edge A skills revolution behind. We would simplify the interface increase in taxes on those that are already for businesses to access government struggling, the Scottish Conservatives Our economic recovery must be driven support, both for COVID and non-COVID fought alongside business and secured by investing in people. Gone are the days related funding. We would ensure that an extension to the 100 per cent relief when workers would be educated in their businesses likely to remain closed for on leisure, hospitality, retail, newspaper youth, find a job and work in that sector all the longest, like nightclubs, continue to and aviation businesses for the whole of their lives. Now people will have multiple receive regular payments. 2021-22. Given the continued economic careers and will need to train and acquire uncertainty we would also look to offerat skills throughout their working lives. To To ensure businesses can continue least 25 per cent rates relief to businesses keep Scotland competitive, we need to to focus on protecting their staff and in 2022-23. The exact level will be overhaul conventions on learning and customers from coronavirus and on dependent on the economic conditions deliver a skills revolution. recovering from the pandemic, we would at the time. We would also maintain the delay the introduction of any new non- poundage rate freeze until the 2023 To incentivise lifelong learning, by 2023 we COVID related regulations on businesses revaluation. In addition, we will ensure that will introduce a Right to Retrain Account to April 2023. We would also introduce businesses are not penalised through the for every single Scottish adult, containing a one-week minimum adaptation 2023 revaluation process for measures £500 to be spent on training every year. period between the announcement and taken to make their premise COVID-secure. We will fund 100,000 accounts as a pilot

8 in 2021 and 2022 to help people newly places and then come forward to bid for We must take advantage of Scotland’s unemployed as a result of the pandemic to funding from government. This approach regional economic strengths and build gain new skills. could deliver unlimited apprenticeship them up. Highlands and Islands Enterprise opportunities. Our ambition would be to and the new South of Scotland Enterprise People who have become unemployed spend every penny of the Apprenticeship are catered towards the economic need to acquire skills to help them get Levy on supporting apprenticeships. strengths of their areas. Scotland’s two a job quickly, which means courses with governments are already funding £3.3 inflexible entry dates which take a year We would also expand funding and billion of investment through the City and or longer are not suitable. We would subject range for Foundation and Region Growth Deals Programme, which bring together employers, skills providers Graduate apprenticeships. We would has seen Scotland’s local authorities come and colleges to form new Institutes remove the £15,000 artificial cap on together to form natural partnerships. We of Technology and work with them to government support for an employer for have also seen business partnerships, design a new system of Rapid Retraining apprenticeship places. We would ensure such as Opportunity North East, play Courses - short, sharp courses tailored that apprentices under 25 are required an important role in securing regional to employment opportunities. Given to receive ‘off the job’ training through investment. the pressing need for digital skills in our day or block release. Only 38 per cent economy, we would ensure every single of new Modern Apprentices are women, To deliver growth and create jobs in Scottish adult has basic digital skills by so we would deliver a fresh campaigning every part of our country, we would bring 2026. initiative to encourage more girls to take forward an Enterprise Bill establishing up apprenticeships after school. an economic development agency in To tackle unemployment, we would create each region of Scotland. This would a network of Job Security Councils to Rebuilding every part of Scotland enable us to create lasting partnerships swiftly find new opportunities for laid-off between government, local authorities, workers and ensure that skills are retained In order to deliver full employment, we education providers and business and in sectors of our economy where there need to promote growth and good jobs in build on the work started by Growth is continued need for them. We will set every part of our country. People should Deals and the increased contact between up the first of these to respond to the be able to find a good job locally and councils and businesses as a result of downturn in the oil and gas sector. not have their opportunities restricted the coronavirus grants process. These because of where they live. new agencies would be a single point of Apprenticeships are a great way of contact between businesses and wider ensuring that our workforce, and £1.8 billion is spent each year on economic government. especially the next generation, has development in Scotland by our two the skills our economy needs. The UK governments, 32 local authorities and a Working with rather than against Apprenticeship Levy, worth around score of development agencies and public the UK Government £246 million in funding for the Scottish bodies. We need to ensure that resource Government, was introduced to grow the is being effectively mobilised to create The economy is an area of shared number of apprenticeships, yet the SNP jobs and support businesses to grow. The competency – both the Scottish and UK have failed to meet their own manifesto Fraser of Allander Institute has warned of Governments have responsibility for it. promises on apprenticeship numbers. We a “cluttered policy landscape” holding our This can lead to instances where Scotland would flip the system to a demand-led economy back. gets the best of both worlds from its two approach, whereby employers create governments, such as the City and Growth

10 Deals programme. However, it can also lead to duplication and waste, such as in the similarities in services offered by the Department for International Trade and Scottish Development International. This friction benefits the SNP’s constitutional obsession, but it does not benefit enterprises looking for government support.

To encourage more collaboration between our governments in support of Scotland’s economy, we would give the UK Government shared strategic oversight of these regional economic agencies. We will work with the UK Government and local government on developing projects for funding through the Community Renewal Fund and UK Shared Prosperity Fund.

Selling Scotland at home and abroad

Driving Scottish exports will drive our recovery. Scotland has a wealth of iconic national products and to make a success of leaving the EU, we need to promote those products to new markets. We have the opportunity to become a trading nation, but it will require a clear strategy and focus.

One of the great assets that Scotland has is its diaspora. They are both a market in themselves but also ambassadors for our produce reaching larger markets abroad. However, our neighbours in Ireland are much more successful at using

11 12 their diaspora to build an international Making Scotland the best place Innovation in our recovery network of influencers. The GlobalScot in the world to visit network run by the Scottish Government Coronavirus and the restrictions that is comparatively small and makes fewer We do not just need to sell Scotland’s have been put in place to control it have connections. products abroad, but also its potential changed how we live our lives. Many as the best place in the world to visit. people are now more reliant on their The Scottish Conservatives would The Scottish tourism industry is reliant home internet connection to work and do follow the Irish model to maximise the on international customers, yet the business and this is likely to continue even use of our diaspora to sell Scotland. We pandemic has meant that holidays were after the pandemic. would expand the GlobalScot network cancelled last year and the sector is to enhance Scotland’s international almost certainly going to miss out on However, the SNP’s rollout of the digital presence and exports, with the aim another peak season in 2021. Given that infrastructure required to support this of doubling sign ups by the end of the our tourism sector is going to be more has been marked by excessive delay. Parliament. reliant on domestic visitors this year, They promised that their R100 superfast we would deliver a fresh campaign to broadband rollout would be finished in To provide expertise to Scottish market Scotland as the destination of 2021, yet they only signed the contract to companies selling abroad we would choice for the rest of the UK. deliver it in the north of the country at the establish an export mentor scheme, where end of last year, with the completion date companies with exporting experience can However, we must also work to protect being delayed to 2026. support those looking to expand abroad. communities and local services. We We would also drive a national exporting will promote responsible tourism, so The Scottish Conservatives would campaign, encouraging companies to that businesses bring benefits to the connect every single home and business expand internationally, and establish a communities and environment that they property in Scotland to full fibre Scottish Exporting Institute, following are located in. broadband by 2027. This will allow for a the model of the National Manufacturing future-proofed digital network capable of Institute, to act as a hub of trade expertise The SNP have taken a one-size-fits- supporting 5G mobile coverage. We will in Scotland. all approach to managing short-term use all levers of government to achieve lets, damaging B&Bs and self-catering this ambition, including the tax system, In addition to international exports, the accommodation in an attempt to manage planning rules and skills development. We Scottish Conservatives would also look the Airbnb boom. We are opposed to any would bring forward legislation requiring to boost Scotland’s trade with the rest of regulation that does not put local choice every new home to be built with a full fibre the UK. 60 per cent of Scotland’s trade is at its heart and fails to distinguish between connection. We will begin the rollout in with the other three UK nations. We would established accommodation providers and the rural areas left behind by R100. create a network of Scottish trade hubs the recent boom in short-term lets. We are in major UK cities to support investment opposed to the SNP’s plans to introduce We also need to support Scottish and export opportunities both to and a tourist tax, as it will only damage an companies to take full advantage of our from Scotland. industry that has already suffered as a enhanced digital infrastructure. We will result of the pandemic. move up to 10,000 Scottish businesses online each year through a new e-commerce taskforce, with our ambition

13 Maurice Golden, candidate for Angus South

14 being to make Scotland the ‘E-Commerce encourage innovation to develop new Later this year, the UK Government will Capital of Europe’. business models which help to secure host the global COP26 climate change supply chains, retain value, deliver highly conference in Glasgow, the largest The speed and success of coronavirus skilled jobs and reduce our carbon international conference to ever be vaccine development has demonstrated footprint. The vast majority of businesses held in our country. We need to use this the importance of innovation. We need want to reduce emissions and do their opportunity to showcase Scotland as a to take that same approach to research part to help Scotland achieve net zero by world leader in tackling climate change to drive our economy. That is why we 2045 and they should be supported and and on environmental delivery. would increase R&D expenditure in encouraged by government to do so. Scotland to 2.4 per cent of GDP by 2026. Delivering a just transition for the We would also work with universities To deliver this, we would bring forward energy sector to commercialise Intellectual Property, a Circular Economy Bill early in the next through a new Scottish Future Growth Parliament. This will set new targets We need to deliver a wholly renewable- Fund. for reducing our raw material usage, powered Scotland, and we have the especially those that are single use or wealth of natural resources to achieve The economies of Scotland’s city regions difficult to recycle. this. However, we also need to take are driven by being centres of excellence, account of the important role of oil and whether it is oil and gas in Aberdeen, Alongside this, we will invest in our gas in the Scottish economy and the tens financial services in Edinburgh or software recycling capacity and fund the creation of of thousands of jobs that are reliant on it. in Dundee. We would support sectoral a Centre for Circular Economy Excellence We must make sure that our transition to clustering to deliver the critical mass to drive the rollout of best practice in a renewable Scotland is fair and creates and international reputation to attract business, public sector, the third sector opportunities, rather than leaving a investment and create skilled jobs. and communities. We will establish a legacy of unemployment and damaged We would use the Scottish National Circular Economy Awards Scheme to communities. Investment Bank to support innovation in recognise innovation in reuse and waste our economy, such as the Scottish space reduction. We will ensure that public We believe that North Sea oil and gas sector to enhance Scotland’s reputation procurement is used to incentivise the has a long future of many decades as a world leader in satellite technology. delivery of our environmental targets and ahead, with petrochemicals continuing enhance our circular economy. to be used in the plastics, cosmetics and Enhancing our circular economy pharmaceuticals we use every day. The to deliver a green recovery We will work with the UK Government UK Government’s transformative North to align the introduction of our Deposit Sea Transition Deal will invest up to £16 As we rebuild from the pandemic, we Return Scheme with the rest of the UK, billion to reduce emissions and secure need to ensure that we are delivering ensuring the successful delivery of the 40,000 jobs. We would ensure that the a green recovery, where every job is scheme. We would continue to maintain Scottish Government is a partner in the a green job. We need to create a truly Scottish Landfill Tax rates at parity with North Sea Transition Deal, to support circular economy where we reduce, Landfill Tax in the rest of the UK to deter supply businesses through the transition reuse and recycle materials to cut down waste tourism. and as part of our proposals to give the on waste and create jobs. The best North East a fair share. We have always way of achieving this is by working with said that we would base our approach rather than against businesses. We will to fracking on scientific evidence of its

15 impact. As such, we are opposed to fracking in Scotland.

We will ensure that Scotland continues to be at the forefront of the UK’s expanding offshore wind sector. We also support the expansion of onshore wind capacity in Scotland where it is agreed by and benefits local communities, as well as our country as a whole. We would incentivise the creation of a wind turbine decommissioning centre.

We will support the development of emerging renewable technologies, particularly tidal, as we look to make Scotland a renewable powerhouse. We will make the adoption of green hydrogen a priority, as a fuel source in transport and for supporting the exporting of renewable power, as we deliver Scotland’s clean energy transformation. We will work with the UK Government to develop and expand Scotland’s pumped hydroelectric energy storage and carbon capture capacity.

Procuring growth

As a principle, the Scottish Government should support Scottish companies in any way it can. Devolved public bodies in Scotland spend £12.6 billion procuring goods and services each year. This is a massive lever for driving growth, if we mobilise this resource to support the Scottish economy and if we use it to achieve best value rather than lowest cost.

We would deliver a ‘Scotland First’ approach to procuring goods and services with public money. That means

16 taking into account local jobs, skills taxed part of the UK, ensuring that over 1.1 to key road and rail projects. The Scottish development, environmental and social million Scottish workers, doing the same Conservatives would put an end to this impacts and support for the Scottish job and earning the same wage, have less inefficiency and ensure that planned economy alongside costs. As part of this money to spend than their counterparts in capital funding increases over the course we will blacklist companies that fail to pay England, Wales and Northern Ireland. It is of the next Parliament are better spent supply chains on time, make it easier for unfair that Scots pay more in tax, especially on projects which will improve Scotland’s small and medium sized businesses to bid when we do not receive better services productivity and boost economic growth. for contracts and encourage suppliers to because of SNP mismanagement. Put deliver solutions, not just services. simply, in Scotland we pay more to get less. Improving connections between Scotland’s main population centres will Financing our recovery The Scottish Conservatives are Scotland’s attract investment and benefit surrounding party of lower taxation. However, we also areas. Investing in infrastructure in rural Many of the public services that we take recognise the uncertain fiscal situation and areas will connect communities and boost for granted each day have been put under the need to support our public services and tourism. To oversee this, the Infrastructure severe pressure because of the pandemic. economy at this time. As such, funding our Commission should be put on a statutory Our NHS will have to work through a long recovery must come first. Tax cuts should footing and become accountable to the backlog of operations and treatment, our only be considered when we can afford Scottish Parliament. The Commission schools will have to catch our children to do so. By the end of the Parliament, should work with Regional Transport up after a year of disrupted education we would seek to ensure that Scottish Partnerships to produce long-term and our council services will have to look taxpayers do not pay higher income tax infrastructure plans for their areas. after the most vulnerable people in our than those in the rest of the UK, while society and continue to support local retaining the starter rate for low earners. Scotland’s roads and railways connect economies. While we need to account for with England’s and investment in the spending decisions made to get us Improving Scotland’s cross-border infrastructure is vital. We through coronavirus, our public services welcome the interim report of the Union also need to be supported to recover with transport links Connectivity Review and will work closely growing public spending over the next Scotland needs the right transport with the UK Government to deliver its final five years. We are committed to tackling infrastructure in place to recover and recommendations, as well as those of the Scottish Government waste, but these rebuild from the COVID-19 pandemic. ongoing Williams Rail Review. efficiency savings should be reinvested. Connectivity is vital for enabling new businesses to establish themselves in National transport infrastructure The UK Government has delivered £13.3 Scotland, allowing existing businesses to billion in additional funding for Scottish grow, attracting visitors and supporting Scotland’s roads, rail and ports require public services since the pandemic jobs across the country. significant ongoing investment to meet began. This is on top of the Union already the changing needs of our population and being worth nearly £2,000 in additional The SNP’s Infrastructure Investment achieve our environmental targets. public spending per head in Scotland. Plan lacks the ambition required to Being part of the UK is essential for support Scotland’s recovery and they ● Upgrading Scotland’s roads supporting our public services to rebuild. have a record of failure when it comes to delivering major infrastructure projects - The SNP’s target to phase out new petrol The SNP have made Scotland the highest from failed ferry procurement to delays and diesel cars by 2032 will not be met

17 unless action is stepped up now. An ambitious new electric vehicle action plan is required to take Scotland into the next phase of the rollout and deliver a complete national charging infrastructure by 2025. As well as public charging points, we would continue to subsidise their installation in homes and workplaces. We would also review barriers and launch a new scheme to support the installation of charging points outside flats, and require all new large developments to incorporate charging points. Subsidies to make electric vehicles more affordable to consumers must also continue, including for used vehicles.

The transition to electric vehicles is a major shift, but one which still relies on having a good road network. Several key routes in Scotland are in desperate need of improvement, including the A77 and A75, which are vital for ports in the area, the A82 between Glasgow and Inverness, the A90 between Dundee and Aberdeen, the A96 between Aberdeen and Inverness, and the A9 between Perth and Inverness.

The entirety of the A1 in Scotland should be upgraded to a dual carriageway, with the Scottish and UK Governments working together to ensure the road is fit for the future. The M8 should be extended to three lanes and work on a new road to bypass the A83 Rest and Be Thankful must begin immediately. An urgent solution to ice forcing the Queensferry Crossing to close must be in place by the winter. All these projects will improve links between Scotland’s major cities and benefit areas on route.

18 Local projects such as the Sheriffhall To recognise this shift, the Scottish ● Promoting Scotland’s ports flyover, a Dundee Northern Relief Road Conservatives would introduce a flexible and bridge maintenance in Aberdeenshire season ticket to save money for workers The Scottish Conservatives believe that should be taken forward by Regional who are commuting for less than five freeports present a unique opportunity Transport Partnerships. days a week and implement the Rail to boost Scottish exports and local Delivery Group’s wider recommendations economies, particularly as oil revenues We also need to promote hydrogen- on fare regulation reform. We also decline, so we will support freeport bids powered vehicles - the Scottish support pegging Scottish rail fares to the from ports across Scotland, including one Conservatives would invest in this Consumer Price Index instead of the Retail in the North East. We would also support infrastructure and carry out a feasibility Price Index to protect passengers. trust ports to submit joint bids, for freeport study on a ‘hydrogen network’ between status or other opportunities, while also Aberdeen and Inverness. Finally, we would introduce a Scottish working to support all ports by reviewing Smart Travel Card which would enable planning regulations, utilising enterprise ● Revitalising our railways passengers to use all types of domestic zones, incentivising diversification and transport anywhere in Scotland with one ensuring they benefit from the UK Shared Rail is crucial for connecting communities contactless card. This would consolidate Prosperity Fund. To further support coastal across Scotland and supporting tourism. concessions, ensure passengers pay the communities, we will prioritise them for The 1960s Beeching cuts saw many of cheapest fare and automatically refund access to Community Investment Deal Scotland’s iconic railways and stations delayed or cancelled journeys. funding. close, and the Scottish Conservatives would carry out a comprehensive review ● Supporting the aviation industry Scotland’s ports and harbours play an of such decisions. Where there is an important role in our economy but also economic case for it, we would reopen Scotland’s airports must be supported to provide vital transport connections for rail lines and stations to support local recover from the impact of the COVID-19 Scotland’s island communities. The SNP growth. Work to improve rail links pandemic on air travel, including the have repeatedly let these communities between Aberdeen and the Central Belt maintenance of vital routes within the down – allowing harbour infrastructure needs to be accelerated, plans for a UK. A clear roadmap for when and how and vessels to degrade, failing to improve direct line between Perth and Edinburgh international travel can restart is essential, performance and overseeing the failed should be taken forward, the Highland alongside ongoing support for the sector procurement of two new ferries for main line should be dualled and the while restrictions remain in place. The CalMac’s west coast routes. We would Scottish Government should work with Scottish and UK Governments should scrap Caledonian Maritime Assets the UK Government to extend the Borders monitor the recovery of domestic flights and introduce long-term contracts for Railway to Carlisle. Efforts to decarbonise and consider the use of public service ferry operators as part of a review of Scotland’s railways must be stepped up, obligations or the subsidy of airport island connectivity, aimed at simplifying including the electrification of more lines. charges if any of Scotland’s key routes are ferry services and ensuring they are as under threat. sustainable, efficient and effective as Scotland’s rail delivery model must possible while also considering alternative prioritise improvements for passengers We support maintaining parity with the rest ways of connecting island communities. and value for money for taxpayers, while of the UK on Air Departure Tax. recognising that COVID-19 will have a permanent impact on travel patterns.

19 Local transport infrastructure

The state of local roads must be improved to benefit all road users. The Scottish Conservatives would invest £200 million in a Road Maintenance Fund to repair potholes over the course of the next Parliament, through which councils can bid for funding. We would also ensure councils have the funding they need to keep on top of road maintenance by passing on increases in the Scottish Government’s capital funding to councils.

During the pandemic, the number of next Parliament, every city in Scotland buses. This would include a multi-year people cycling and walking to work has should have a cycle network designed commitment to the Ultra-Low Emission increased and we must take steps to for commuting. In 2021, we would invest Bus Scheme and making loans and leases maintain this. Due to the changed context, £1 million in cycle proficiency training available from the Scottish Government. the Scottish Government’s 2030 active for adults and cycle repair vouchers Alongside this, a scrappage scheme travel ambition should be brought forward to encourage more people to take up should be launched to encourage to the end of the next Parliament. Over cycling. operators and local authorities to upgrade the course of the next Parliament, we their buses. Accessibility for disabled would increase the share of the transport Active travel should sit alongside a strong passengers should be a condition for budget which is spent on active travel to public transport system in every part of receiving support for any new routes or 10 per cent. Scotland. Rural bus routes have been transition plans. in decline for years, and the pandemic All local schemes must meet a range of has accelerated this. To address gaps in standards to ensure they are suitable bus services, the Scottish Conservatives for buggies, wheelchair users and would implement provisions in the 2019 older people, set by the Active Nation Transport Act to allow local councils to Commissioner whose role should be put propose bus services in their area. We on a statutory footing. Temporary schemes would also review the role of Regional implemented during the pandemic must Transport Partnerships in the delivery be evaluated and only maintained if they of transport services, with an ambition have been effective. Councils should lead to develop more integrated transport post-COVID reviews of changed travel networks. patterns in their area and be encouraged to create more low traffic neighbourhoods, To help achieve emissions targets, we bus and bike only roads, school streets would develop a long-term transition and low emission zones where they strategy to give operators the confidence would be beneficial. By the end of the to invest in hydrogen and electric

20 Rebuilding our communities

The Scottish Conservatives believe solutions are delivered for local problems hundreds of developments going ahead that every part of Scotland and every rather than a one-size-fits-all approach. on the instruction of an SNP Government community should be backed to succeed. in Edinburgh against the wishes of We believe that decisions are best made However, the SNP have stripped our communities and local representatives as close as possible to the people who councils of powers and funding. They across the country. This is a clear SNP are affected by them and that choice have raided local government budgets to power grab. and variation of approach between finance their own pet projects. From 2007 communities is a national strength, not a to 2019, the Scottish Government’s budget We would amend planning laws, so that weakness. increased at more than double the rate of the Scottish Government cannot overturn the grant they gave to councils. While the a local planning decision. This would However, 14 years of SNP Government Barnett Formula ensures that the Scottish ensure that major developments require has seen centralisation and uniformity Government’s budget is linked to UK engagement with communities and that prioritised over localism. Their centralisation Government spending, there is no such national infrastructure needs to deliver agenda has resulted in many communities protection for local government and the clear local benefits to those that will be across our nation being left behind and services they run. affected by it. suffering from underinvestment. They ignore local objections and raid the That is why the Scottish Conservatives Community-led growth budgets of local services. They are the would bring forward a Communities party of Yes Scotland, not the party of all of Bill to introduce fair funding for our As we rebuild our economy from the Scotland. councils. This would deliver a new devastating impact of coronavirus, we financial framework that ensures councils must back every single community The Scottish Conservatives understand automatically receive a set percentage across Scotland to succeed. The Scottish the link between strong local economies, of the Scottish Government budget each Conservatives believe that where you good council services and a vibrant year, mirroring the relationship the Scottish live should not limit your opportunities. community. We will respect local decision Government has with the UK Government. Everyone deserves to be able to get a making and ensure that local services get This would prevent the Scottish good job without having to leave the the funding they deserve. We will stand Government from underfunding councils community that they grew up in or have up for the interests of all parts of Scotland and local services by failing to pass on built their life in. and support every village, town and city to increases in its own budget. We would rebuild. ensure that councils have full control over However, under the current SNP the funding they receive through this Government, parts of our country have Fairly funding our local services framework. not seen the investment they deserve. and empowering councils We would deliver a programme of However, fair funding is just the start of Community Investment Deals, worth up Our councils are responsible for empowering councils. We also need to £25 million each, to create good local maintaining our roads, educating our to ensure proper protections for local jobs. Our initial £550 million investment children, disposing of our waste and decision making. In 2019, four in ten in these Deals would be tailored to maintaining public buildings and leisure planning decisions appealed to SNP the existing strengths of a local area facilities. They are an essential component ministers had their original decision from and would look to leverage additional of government and ensure that local the council overturned. That means investment from the UK Government,

21 councils and local employers, following pandemic. Yet many of them have been full funding for councils to scrap parking the existing City and Region Deal model. struggling for the last 14 years, with many charges on publicly-owned car parks to major brands moving to out of town sites encourage more people to support our The Scottish Conservatives believe or online. Under the SNP, every year we high streets to recover. that we should do all that we can to see more and more local businesses remove geographic discrimination across shutting up shop for good on our high Closed shutters and ‘to let’ signs are Scotland. We have long campaigned streets. a blight on our town centres and high against households and businesses in streets, a reminder of their decline. remote and rural parts of Scotland having To rebuild our communities from this To tackle this, we would support to pay higher delivery charges. We would pandemic, we need to tackle the long- communities’ ‘first right to buy’ when local work with the UK Government to make standing problems which have emptied businesses are facing closing their doors. it illegal to charge higher costs when our high streets and undermined local To increase footfall in our town centres posting to remote and rural parts of businesses. We need to look at how and turn them into places where people Scotland. we transform our high streets into live, we would also relax planning laws to experiences, where people go to eat, allow for the re-development of long-term We would also support the operation and do activities and shop. Services were unoccupied business properties into good formation of co-operative enterprises and originally driven to the high streets on quality housing. mutual banking as communities recover account of the footfall from shops, we now from the pandemic. need to use those services to re-engage We know the positive effect that green communities with local shopping. spaces can have, not only on the Restoring our town centres and environment but also on people’s mental high streets To make them more competitive, we and physical health. This has never would support our councils to exempt high been so visible as during lockdown. Our town centres and high streets have street and town centres from paying any Therefore, we want to expand communal been hit hardest by the coronavirus business rates. We would also provide green spaces so that people who don’t

22 Meghan Gallacher, candidate for Hamilton, Larkhall and Stonehouse

have access to private gardens can still promised 50,000 affordable homes over for easier accessibility adaptations. To enjoy green spaces. To achieve this, this Parliament but have delivered fewer help older people stay in their homes we will work with councils to redevelop than 40,000. The Scottish Conservatives for longer, we will work with councils to brownfield sites in the centre of large believe that we need to set ambitious ensure the adequate delivery of care and towns and cities as new park areas, as housebuilding targets for the next repair services across Scotland. part of a new national public gardens Parliament to deliver the homes that strategy. Scotland needs. That is why we would We welcome the report of the cross- deliver 60,000 new affordable homes, party Tenement Maintenance Working New housing with new services with two thirds of these being new Group and will look to deliver on its social housing. We will aim to increase recommendations in the next Parliament, Scotland will need tens of thousands overall house building across all sectors to keep tenements safe, energy efficient of new homes over the next five years. to 25,000 per year by the end of the and well maintained. However, we know that new housing Parliament. To support building and developments put pressure on existing renovations in remote and rural parts Delivering energy efficiency in homes local services like roads, schools and of Scotland, we will invest £50 million is an essential part of achieving our net shops. Far too many villages, towns and through the Rural Housing Fund. zero target. The Scottish Conservatives cities in Scotland have seen new housing amended the Fuel Poverty Act so that the estates created, with little thought of Scotland has an ageing population, so Scottish Government will have to support how this will impact on essential local there is an ever-increasing need for all fuel-poor households to reach EPC C infrastructure. In our rush to build new housing to be accessible. This issue by 2030. A drive to renovate homes could housing, we have failed to build new is compounded by a lack of disabled create thousands of jobs across Scotland, communities. housing, with the number of people with a while also ensuring we meet our climate disability on council waiting lists doubling change targets. The SNP have consistently failed to in the last two years. We will encourage achieve their housing targets - they the future proofing of new-build housing To achieve this ambition, we would

23 raised concerns about the cladding used in at least 85 high rise blocks and over 130 other buildings, including schools, across Scotland. The SNP Government has received £97 million in Barnett Consequentials from a UK Government scheme to remove unsafe cladding in England but have so far failed to act. We would follow other parts of the UK in banning the use of combustible cladding in Scotland. We would also undertake an extensive audit to identify all buildings where combustible cladding is used, not Pam Gosal, just high-rise properties, and support candidate for Clydebank and Milngavie remedial work where it is needed.

Reducing the costs of buying a spend over £2.5 billion over the next unoccupied properties in Scotland. home five years on energy efficiency in homes and buildings. We would also create a We will support housing associations Taxes on the buying and selling of Help to Renovate scheme, to support and consider new models for meeting property in Scotland are among the owners making their properties more Scotland’s social housing needs. There highest in the world. The SNP’s decision energy efficient and set aside a specific are 685 housing associations across the to replace stamp duty with Land and Rural Transition Fund to support energy UK but only 11 of these are in Scotland. Buildings Transaction Tax (LBTT) in 2015 efficiency in off grid areas. We would fund a pilot programme for further increased costs on homebuyers. cooperative housing in Scotland. We recognise that energy efficiency is In response to the pandemic, the SNP being held back in Scotland due to a skills However, we cannot just build housing - Government increased the threshold at gap, especially in rural areas. We would we need to build communities. We need which LBTT was paid to £250,000 last make delivering the skills necessary to to deliver proper town planning and the year. However, in this year’s budget they improve energy efficiency a key priority for services that people will use, so that new decided to drop the threshold back down our skills programmes. To further improve housing is not a burden on those people to £145,000, costing homebuyers an extra energy efficiency standards, we would who already live in an area. This includes £2,100 in tax per transaction. review and update the EPC system. shops, parks, public pathways, roads and schools. We would work with councils to We believe that everyone should have There are over 47,000 long-term more effectively secure investment in local the opportunity to own their home and unoccupied properties in Scotland. services from large home developments. that our tax system should support In many cases these properties are that ambition. That is why we would dilapidated and have become a blight on The Grenfell fire was a horrible tragedy permanently increase the threshold for our communities. We would introduce that showed how unsafe some of our paying LBTT to £250,000, with the five Compulsory Sales Orders for long-term housing stock is. Safety experts have per cent band starting from that point as

24 it does now. This means that over three We believe that certainty and stability must utilise it to help rebuild Scotland quarters of home buyers will pay no tax at are what families need right now. In from this crisis. We will create a national all. We would also introduce this threshold the absence of cross-party support for a database to make it easier for people for non-residential property. reform proposal we will not support any across Scotland to find volunteering overhaul or revaluation of the council opportunities in their local area and for To take account of the variations in house tax system over the next five years. It organisations to access willing volunteers. prices across Scotland, we would allow will be for parties to build a consensus in councils to create their own local LBTT the next Parliament around a reformed To support voluntary sector organisations discount schemes. We would also review system and then put it to the Scottish to better deliver services, we will ensure the Additional Dwelling Supplement to people in the next election. that those in receipt of national funding ensure that families moving home are no receive multi-year settlements. Our new longer unfairly targeted by it. Supporting community spirit fiscal framework will enable councils to do the same for those in receipt of The SNP’s decision to end Help to Buy will The coronavirus pandemic and restrictions local funding. This will ensure that the damage the housing market and remove have made us appreciate the value of third sector can get on with the job of vital support for those unable to afford the community and brought out the very supporting vulnerable groups and our full costs of buying a home. We will restore best in human kindness. More people communities with certainty, rather than funding for the Help to Buy scheme. in Scotland are volunteering than ever having to worry about funding each year. before, whether it is picking up shopping Our council tax system is outdated but for elderly neighbours who are shielding Kick starting Scottish culture it is well understood and raises a stable or through national charities. form of revenue with which to fund local Scotland has a strong cultural identity services. The SNP have promised reform It is important that we do not allow which benefits all of our citizens and in four manifestos but failed to deliver it. this community spirit to disappear - we attracts visitors from around the world.

25 However, our cultural institutions have been hit hard by the pandemic and need support to reopen.

To help music venues, heritage sites and festivals recover, we will set up a £50 million Cultural Kick Start Fund. As part of this, we will deliver a half price entry programme for heritage sites for the remainder of 2021.

We will also bring forward an Arts Bill to ensure local authorities carry out a minimum level of cultural planning and engagement, provide a more sustainable funding model and introduce measures to ensure a fairer geographic spread of resources.

The Gaelic language is one of Scotland’s The Scottish Conservatives believe that the Mulberry Unit at Stracathro, the minor greatest cultural assets and we would the North East deserves a better, fairer injury unit in Banff and Turriff and the Insch continue to promote and support it. We share from the Scottish Government. community hospital. would refresh the Gaelic Language Plan We will support the economy of the North this year with an ambition to increase the East to get back on its feet. We will create We will upgrade and build new number of Gaelic speakers. a North East enterprise agency to better infrastructure across the North East. We grow the economy of the region, backed will upgrade key roads by dualling the A96 Delivering a fair share for the by £1 billion over the next ten years to between Aberdeen and Inverness and North East create jobs and opportunities. We will improving the A90 at Laurencekirk and also back the delivery of a freeport in the Ellon. We will review the reopening of local The North East of Scotland used to be the North East. railways and stations if they will drive local powerhouse of the Scottish economy but growth, like the Formartine and Buchan under the SNP’s centralisation agenda, As part of our fair funding settlement for Railway and Brechin and Newtonhill it has been left unsupported as the oil councils, we will ensure that the North stations. We will improve broadband and and gas industry has faced difficulties. East is not penalised for having higher mobile phone signal by beginning our Taxes have been hiked on Aberdeen council tax and business rates revenue plan to roll out full fibre broadband in rural and Aberdeenshire businesses and than anywhere else in Scotland. Local and northern parts of our country. key services like schools, GPs and the taxes raised in the North East should police have seen cuts. At the same time, be used to fund schools, roads and Aberdeen Council receives the lowest local services in the North East. We will central funding grant from the SNP of any protect local services across the region council area. from centralisation, including re-opening

26 Restoring world-class Scottish education

Nicola Sturgeon asked to be judged on Restore our schools course of the next Parliament. This would her education record and said it was support people with experience in sectors her “number one priority”. On this basis, The Scottish Conservatives believe a such as STEM to start a new career in the poor state of Scotland’s schools is a knowledge-rich curriculum gives children teaching and create a Rural Teacher Fund damning indictment of her leadership. the best start in life. Experts have raised to attract teachers to work in rural areas. Under the SNP, teacher numbers have concerns about the SNP’s Curriculum for fallen, Scotland has slid down international Excellence and the OECD are currently In addition, the recommendations of the league tables, subject choice has declined reviewing it. The OECD review must be Independent Panel on Career Pathways and the attainment gap has persisted. published immediately after the election for Teachers should be implemented to - we would implement recommendations improve retention and a review of the Schools have been further let down which would restore standards in use of supply teachers and part-time during the coronavirus pandemic. Remote Scotland’s schools. contracts should be carried out to ensure education was patchy, the 2020 exam employment conditions do not result in results were an unprecedented fiasco, The SNP have also asked the OECD to trained staff leaving the profession. and not enough is being done to support review assessments and qualifications, children to catch up. We must not allow hinting that, after cancelling exams in 2020 To improve participation in STEM the SNP’s failures during the pandemic and 2021, they would scrap them for good. subjects, we would introduce a dedicated to create a lost COVID generation. The Scottish Conservatives would oppose STEM teacher in every primary school. this and support the continued use of Every child deserves the opportunity to go exams as they are the best way to equitably Increasing teacher numbers would to a good local school that is in a decent assess the achievements of pupils. improve subject choice and reduce class condition and has enough teachers to sizes and the need for composite classes. offer the range of subjects they need for We would also rejoin international studies This would allow us to introduce a ‘subject their future. Access to a good education and comparisons including the TIMSS and guarantee’ to students – a commitment can be life changing and getting it right PIRLS rankings - we should learn from that everyone will be able to take at least for Scotland’s children now will prevent other countries around the world instead seven subjects in S4. the COVID-19 pandemic robbing them of of shying away from comparisons. opportunities. Fair funding for our schools Boosting the teaching workforce Equipping our young people with the Ensuring schools have the funding, skills they need to succeed in a changing Teachers are key to improving school buildings and equipment they need is also global economy also benefits Scotland standards, but they are overstretched key to improving standards. as a whole. A well-educated population and undersupported. The Scottish supports economic growth, creates jobs Conservatives would review the quality School funding is allocated by councils – and improves productivity, while also of teacher training and introduce a new Scottish Conservative plans to introduce reducing poverty and inequality. workforce strategy worth £550 million a fair funding formula to pass increases to recruit 3,000 more teachers over the to the Scottish Government’s revenue

27 budget on to councils will ensure innovation would be encouraged to boost Supporting children to adequate funding is available for schools school improvement. We would introduce in every part of Scotland. an annual £1 million Somerville Fund to catch up recognise individual schools who have COVID-19 has had a devastating In addition to their fair share of revenue developed innovative practice and enable impact on our children’s learning. While funding, schools also need sufficient capital them to share it within their local area. disadvantaged pupils have been worst funding. Over 10 per cent of Scottish schools affected, every single child has been are in Poor or Bad condition, leaving over Tackling inequality impacted and a long-term system-wide 60,000 children in sub-standard classrooms. programme is required to help them Our plans to also pass on increases in Closing the attainment gap is vital if we are catch up. the Scottish Government’s capital budget to give every child in Scotland the same to councils would help them to maintain opportunity to succeed. Despite being in We would invest £120 million in a existing school buildings, and we would charge of Scotland’s schools for 14 years, two-year catch-up premium, allocated ensure all promised funding for new the SNP have failed to close this gap. directly to schools on a per pupil basis. buildings is allocated by September 2021 so Evidence-based guidance on the most work can begin as soon as possible. These The Scottish Conservatives would improve effective interventions for each year steps would ensure every child is learning the way in which attainment funding is group should be provided to enable in a suitable local school building by the allocated and spent. We would work with schools to spend this funding well. We end of the next Parliament. experts to develop a more accurate way would also set up a £4 million Transition of measuring deprivation amongst school Fund to support children starting Improving school standards children. The current Attainment Scotland primary or secondary school in 2021. Fund is split into multiple pots which are The final key to improving school standards allocated and distributed in different Further targeted support is required is inspection and accountability. We would ways – we would introduce a new multi- for disadvantaged pupils who have establish a new independent school year commitment to allocate £1 billion of been hit hardest by school closures. inspector that would report directly to the attainment funding directly to all schools The Scottish Conservatives would Scottish Parliament. It would inspect schools over the course of the next Parliament, set up a £35 million national tutoring regularly, ensuring they are no longer left based on the level of deprivation amongst programme to provide one-to-one or for over a decade without inspection, hold their pupils. We would develop a menu of small group tuition for children who local authorities to account for the standard evidence-based interventions, including need the most help to catch up. of their schools, and monitor and publish tutoring, for schools to inform how they impartial data on school standards across choose to spend attainment funding in the Children’s mental wellbeing has also Scotland. In addition, the new inspectorate way that works best for their local community. been impacted by the pandemic. As an would enforce the requirement for schools immediate response, we would invest to be politically neutral. In addition to interventions in the £8 million in additional training for classroom, the Scottish Conservatives school staff and holistic support from Clear inspection ratings should continue would immediately introduce free school specialist mental health charities. Over to be given to inform parents and support breakfasts and lunches for all children in the course of this Parliament, trained schools to improve. Schools which primary and special schools. We would also mental health leads with links to struggle to improve would receive direct support continued provision for eligible NHS mental health teams should be intervention from the new inspectorate and children during the school holidays. introduced in every school.

28 Pupils with additional Supporting children’s parents wish to learn. ● To improve PE provision within schools, support needs wellbeing we would review the physical education Children with additional support needs Beyond education, schools also play a training which teachers receive and are being let down by the SNP. crucial role in supporting the health and introduce specialist PE teachers in wellbeing of children and young people. primary schools by the end of the next Our catch-up premium would be Issues such as nutrition and climate Parliament. weighted to provide more funding for responsibility should be embedded within children with additional support needs, the curriculum from an early age. Schools Outside school, extracurricular activities accompanied by bespoke advice on must also be supported to provide older like music lessons and sports clubs are the most effective interventions for children with the most effective information often only available to families who can them. We would also implement the on drugs, alcohol, smoking and sexual afford them, meaning disadvantaged recommendations of the review into health, including by introducing dedicated children miss out. After school activities additional support for learning and PSHE teachers in all schools. Schools also provide essential childcare for continue to grow the support staff should emphasise the importance of working parents. We would introduce workforce - including by improving respect, tolerance and equality in an age free wraparound childcare for children data collection on the composition of appropriate way to prevent bullying, racism, in Primary 1-3, equivalent to five hours a this vital workforce and formalising the homophobia and misogyny. week, and work with schools and local role of pupil support assistants. community groups to build capacity and All children should be able to take part create choice for parents. We would ensure initial teacher in creative subjects and activities such training fully prepares all teachers as music and sport both during and after To help children and young people to identify and support children with the school day. As a basic right, we must recover from the disruption of COVID-19 conditions such as dyslexia and ensure every child has the opportunity to and ensure those from deprived autism. Alongside improving diagnosis play an instrument, learn a language and backgrounds can access the same pathways, these measures would play a sport at school: experiences as their peers, we will ensure help ensure children and families who that all children have the opportunity require low level support are able to ● We would ensure instrumental music to participate in at least one week of get the help they need. For those who teachers can access GTCS registration residential outdoor education in their have more complex needs, we will and accreditation and make music school career. These experiences have ensure there is sufficient capacity in education a core part of the curriculum proven to be life-changing in terms of specialist provision and work closely to ensure lessons are available to all building confidence and self-esteem. with the third sector and child and students free of charge. adolescent mental health services to ● We will fully implement the commitment Progression from school ensure the right support is in place. to teach children two additional languages and develop a new strategy To support young people with subject to increase the number of students and course choices, we would accelerate studying languages in the senior the ongoing review into careers advice phase of secondary school, as well as and ensure it is focused on long-term supporting Gaelic education in areas of employability, not just an immediate historic prevalence where pupils and positive destination.

29 To put this ethos into practice, we would To rebalance the relationship between with new economic development agencies replace the current school leaving age of academic and vocational education, in every region. In each region, we would 16 with a new skills participation age of we would launch a review of the post- also support employers, universities and 18. We would introduce paid internships 18 education landscape in Scotland. colleges to come together to establish for every S4 pupil, make foundation In the interim, we would ensure all Institutes of Technology to deliver modular apprenticeships available in every school Apprenticeship Levy funds are spent courses and higher-level technical training in and review the options available for young on apprenticeships, remove limits on specialist areas. people at SVQ Level 4. the number of funded apprenticeships available and guarantee off-the-job In addition, we would work with the We would support Scottish universities to training for apprentices aged under 25. sector to develop a national student maintain their world-leading reputation mental health action plan for universities, and improve access for Scottish students, Scotland’s colleges are central to our colleges and apprenticeship providers including by continuing to provide free economic recovery so new regional – coordinating services and addressing university tuition and introducing a special taskforces should be set up to bring together disparities in the support available to support payment for students in receipt of education agencies with local businesses to different types of students. benefits. ensure the right skills are in place – working

Supporting children services together and provide should be able to continue and on time by delivering The a ‘one stop shop’ of parenting to access funded childcare Promise. To further support & families support for vulnerable and from August 2021. We would those in foster care, we would The 1,001 days between disadvantaged children. also invest £1 million in early roll out the Mockingbird conception and a child’s language support this year Programme across Scotland to second birthday have more Improving access to for disadvantaged children at build supportive communities influence on their future than early years education nursery to reduce the ‘word around foster families. We any other time in their life. gap’ before they start school. would also implement a register Early years education is crucial of foster carers to further To ensure every child has the to giving every child the best Prioritising children’s professionalise the sector. best start, we would support start. We would take action to social care A review into the barriers to the continued review and increase uptake of the 600 adopting should be carried development of the universal hours of funded childcare While every effort should be out and all support available health visiting service. In available to disadvantaged made to support families to to looked after children should addition, Family Nurse two-year-olds. The 1,140 hours remain together, we must remain in place for those Partnerships must be available of funded childcare promised ensure Scotland has a strong who are adopted. We would for young mothers in all areas to all 3- and 4-years-olds care system for when this is not maintain the Care Experienced of Scotland and expanded must be introduced in August possible. Kinship care should Bursary for students and pilot to support more vulnerable 2021 without any further delay always be supported if it is an similar support for estranged women aged 20 and over. and must deliver the choice option for looked after children. students. We support the Wave We would pilot the use of promised to parents. All parents The recommendations of the 70/30 ambition to reduce Family Hubs to bring health, who choose to defer their Independent Care Review adverse childhood experiences. education and social care child starting primary school must be implemented in full

30 Supporting our NHS

The NHS is a cherished institution which NHS to rebuild and recover. major clinician-led prioritisation exercise isPlaces central to our we British wantvalues. For overto 70 live in must be carried out to ensure those in years it has cared for us, from the cradle We remain committed to the founding most need get seen first. Outpatients to the grave, and it has continued to do principles of the NHS – universal, appointments and elective surgery must so throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, comprehensive, and free at the point of be available seven days a week, with despite the risks and challenges faced by use – and would protect NHS funding by remote consultations offered where staff every day. enshrining a ‘double lock’ in legislation appropriate. We would speed up the guaranteeing that the NHS budget will delivery of Early Cancer Diagnostic COVID-19 hospital admissions have increase by Barnett consequentials or 2 Centres and prioritise boosting the reduced significantly from their peak, but per cent more than inflation, whichever diagnostic workforce, which is key to the NHS still faces the most challenging is highest, in every year of the next tackling the ‘hidden backlog’ of those period in its history. The vaccination Parliament. Based on current estimates who are yet to be referred due to the programme is ongoing, many people this would result in an overall increase in pandemic. A sustained and targeted are being affected by long COVID, annual funding of at least £2 billion by campaign should be launched to thousands of appointments, treatments 2025-26. encourage people who have been putting and operations have been postponed, off visiting their GP to come forward, with and the peak of the mental health impact On top of annual funding increases, we a focus on preventing health inequalities of the pandemic is still ahead. The Scottish would provide an additional £600 million worsening. Conservatives will focus on supporting the to tackle the NHS backlog in 2021-22. A Recognising NHS staff

Immediate action to support staff retention is required. We would work to agree a new multi-year pay deal for Agenda for Change staff as well as doctors and dentists. We would invest an additional £40 million in staff wellbeing this year, including rest facilities and mental health services, and fully establish a Scottish Workforce Specialist Service to provide ongoing mental health support to NHS and social care staff. Staff who have left the NHS should continue to be supported to return to the health service, while all staff who are approaching retirement should be offered opportunities to alter their roles instead of leaving. The Scottish and UK Government should work together to address the pension taxation issues preventing senior consultants from

Haroun Malik, working extra shifts. candidate for Cumbernauld and Kilsyth

31 To address long-term recruitment issues, a comprehensive approach to overseeing workforce planning for the whole of NHS Scotland, in every profession and at every level, is required and accurate data must be available to underpin planning assumptions. Medical school training places should be increased in line with forecasted future need. Priority should be given to Scottish domiciled students, and access and graduate entry programmes should be promoted. More flexibility is also required during the early stages of doctors’ careers to improve retention.

To support the wider NHS workforce, safe staffing legislation should be fully implemented to ensure clinical involvement in staffing decisions and clear processes for concerns to be raised. Nursing student places should be increased and steps should be taken to widen access and improve student retention. Workforce planning should Douglas at Dr Gray’s after aim to create the correct skill mix and the birth of his son utilise allied health professionals to their maximum potential. at Dr Gray’s Hospital in Elgin. Technology has a particularly significant Providing cutting-edge local role to play in the management of long- healthcare We would also review the formula which term conditions as it can help to maintain allocates funding to local health boards to independence and reduce hospital Local hospitals and health services have ensure it recognises local need. appointments and admissions. We would been neglected by the SNP, who have encourage the use of home healthcare broken promises and let down local The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in a technologies, like smart inhalers, and pilot communities. We would introduce a rapid increase in the use of technology by innovative services such as nurse-led Local Healthcare Guarantee to restore a the NHS. Positive examples of innovation clinics for people with conditions including presumption against centralisation and should be adopted permanently as part of diabetes, COPD and heart disease to protect local services. We would take a ‘digital choice’ approach – accessing improve their quality of life and reduce immediate action to replace Edinburgh’s some health services online will be helpful the need for secondary care. We would Princess Alexandra Eye Pavilion and for many, particularly in rural areas, but it also ensure patients with life-changing reinstate consultant-led maternity services will never be suitable for everyone. conditions are able to access specialist

32 support at home following discharge from hospital if they need it, to enable them to adapt and regain independence.

Cancer services have been severely impacted by the pandemic – while the immediate focus must be on restarting services, long-term plans to improve cancer diagnosis and care are also required. We would publish an updated full cancer strategy, including a national cancer genomic testing pilot.

Long COVID is a new challenge for the NHS – ongoing research must be coordinated across the UK and specialist clinics should be set up in every health would train more independent prescribers pandemic and now face immense board to support patients. to enable pharmacists to treat a wider challenges. range of common conditions which would Prioritising primary care otherwise need to be treated by a GP. The Scottish Conservatives would Pharmacists must also have full access to increase mental health funding to 10 GPs are a central part of Scotland’s health patients’ medical records and IT systems per cent of the frontline health budget service – they are embedded in their which link them to wider health and care during the next Parliament. We would communities and know their patients best. services, and e-prescribing must be more kickstart a permanent shift towards The Scottish Conservatives would support widely adopted. The Medicines Care community mental health services GPs by investing at least 11 per cent of and Review Service must be promoted by expanding programmes such as the overall NHS budget into general to all patients with long-term or multiple cognitive behavioural therapy, social practice by the end of the next Parliament, conditions. prescribing, exercise referral schemes increasing training places to deliver the 800 and peer support. These services would more GPs promised by 2027 and ensuring GPs and pharmacies must also have be available through community triage all GPs are supported by a multidisciplinary clear routes to refer people to other local centres in order to offer people with mild team. This would enable GPs to offer longer sources of support. Social prescribing to moderate mental health problems appointments to those who need them. GPs must be embedded in primary care, support within six weeks. To address more must also have access to the technology including by rolling out Community Link serious mental health issues, we would they need to deliver high quality remote Workers and links to advice services more develop a Self-Harm Strategy and work care when required. widely. with stakeholders to update the Suicide Action Plan. To help ensure the right Pharmacies also provide vital local Revolutionising mental health services are available in the right places, healthcare on our high streets and should we would improve the use of data and be supported to deliver more services. Scotland’s mental health support services develop a comprehensive multi-agency To maximise the role they can play, we were under pressure before the COVID-19 workforce plan.

33

Improving Scotland’s We would ensure local councils have the Scottish athletes are able to continue guidance and powers they need to utilise representing their country on the world public health planning and licensing policy to create stage. We would double SportScotland’s Under the SNP, Scotland has become healthy environments which promote budget over the course of the next the ‘sick man of Europe’ with poor healthier food options and physical activity. Parliament to fund grassroots and elite public health outcomes and stark health sport, supporting our athletes and training inequalities which have left too many We would also encourage physical the next generation. people vulnerable to COVID-19. Public activity by making it more accessible. health must now be prioritised to reduce Lockdown restrictions have emphasised Football in particular is woven into the health inequalities and rising pressures the importance of access to green fabric of Scottish society and plays a on the NHS. A cross-portfolio approach space for exercise – we would launch a vital role in every community. We would is required to tackle the causes of poor new public gardens strategy, including back the UK’s bid to host the 2030 health and address the links between significant investment in developing World Cup and bid to hold the final in economic and health inequalities. brownfield sites into new green spaces. Scotland, as well as developing a Road to We would increase spending on active 2030 strategy for grassroots football. We To kickstart action to improve Scotland’s travel, bring forward targets and boost would also support a review of football public health, we would launch a national the powers of the Active National governance in Scotland to ensure it is campaign this summer to encourage Commissioner. Employers also have a inclusive and fully representative of all people to develop and maintain healthy vital role to play in encouraging physical levels of the game. habits as lockdown restrictions are activity, so we would pilot public sector relaxed. employers offering dedicated breaks and ● Reducing rates of smoking, drug use opportunities to be active. and problematic drinking ● Encouraging a healthy diet & exercise Improving access to community leisure Beyond diet and exercise, we must also Improving Scotland’s diet is key to facilities is an essential part of increasing tackle Scotland’s stubbornly high smoking improving public health. Our plans to rates of physical activity, but they are in rates, which are underpinned by economic introduce free school meals and breakfast a precarious position following years of inequalities – one in three people smoke clubs for all primary pupils and ensure the SNP underinvestment and the devastating in Scotland’s most deprived communities importance of good nutrition is embedded impact of the pandemic. We would ensure compared to 1 in 10 in the least deprived. in the curriculum will help teach children leisure facilities are embedded in COVID Greater action is needed to achieve the how to make healthy choices. Our recovery and local regeneration plans, 2034 target to reduce smoking rates to ‘Scotland First’ procurement policy would deliver fair funding for councils to support 5 per cent, including an ambitious new encourage public services to prioritise local facilities and develop a national strategy strategy and increased enforcement healthy food. We would also develop a new to protect assets. We would also invest of existing regulations. The use of National Food Strategy to promote local £1 million to support more schools to e-cigarettes and heated tobacco products produce. We would ensure that ongoing open their facilities to the public during must be monitored closely and regulated support for the hospitality sector includes evenings and weekend. in the same way as cigarettes. We would a focus on promoting local healthy food, maintain funding for smoking prevention and invest in weight management services Elite sport can inspire grassroot and cessation services, while ensuring and other positive initiatives to help people participation, so as international tackling inequalities is at the heart of all maintain a healthy weight. competitions resume, we must ensure interventions.

35 Drug deaths have reached a record The Feeley Review into Adult Social Care planning are essential for those with a high in Scotland – a shameful sign of the is welcome – action is required to address terminal diagnosis. SNP’s failed drugs policy. The Scottish the historic underfunding of the sector and Conservatives secured an additional ensure it is prepared to care for Scotland’s We would also fully implement Frank’s £20 million a year for residential ageing population. Law, which the Scottish Conservatives rehabilitation services, but more action brought to Parliament, and ensure is needed to turn the tide. We would ask We support many of the recommendations adequate support is in place for people the Drugs Death Taskforce to publish a and principles set out in the review, with dementia and their families. We comprehensive review into the provision including introducing national employment would review the expansion of post- of drug treatment and recovery services conditions for staff and viewing the social diagnostic support and ensure everyone before the end of the year. Our focus care system as an equal partner to the with advanced dementia receives an would be ensuring rehab is available to NHS, while adopting a person-centred individual assessment of their health everyone who needs it when they need it, approach which empowers supported and care needs. We would also review prioritising abstinence-based programmes people and their carers. However, we what changes are required to to ensure and improving retention rates. share COSLA’s concerns about the personal and nursing care payments proposed governance and accountability sufficiently cover the cost of care. We We must also tackle problematic levels changes which would lead to significant would increase investment in dementia of alcohol consumption. We would work centralisations. research and work to raise awareness. with the sector to roll out the inclusion of low risk drinking guidelines on alcohol We would maintain local democratic We would develop a new national plan packaging and support local communities accountability of the social care system for palliative care to ensure everyone can to engage with the licensing system. We and avoid any unnecessary structural access the support they need whether would carry out a review of Scotland’s reforms. We believe local authorities are they die in hospital, a hospice, a care alcohol services – prevention, early best able to deliver high-quality person- home or at home. In addition, we would identification and intervention must be centred social care as part of a whole- maintain funding for children’s hospices prioritised, while data must be improved system approach, particularly as they and support the Bereavement Charter for to ensure that anyone with an alcohol deliver other vital services upon which Scotland to ensure all bereaved families problem, or at risk of developing one, can supported people rely. We would work can access the practical and emotional access treatment and recovery services, with councils, families and providers to support they need. wherever they live and whatever their take forward reforms which will embed circumstances. choice and put adult social care on a sustainable footing. Reforming social care As part of this, we would ensure that A roadmap for the full return of care home Scotland’s social care system works visiting must be published and an urgent for those who have a terminal illness. inquiry into the handling of care homes Conditions like MND progress rapidly during the pandemic must commence and we can no longer allow people to immediately. die while still waiting for the support they need. Fast-tracking of support and adaptations and the use of anticipatory

36 Annie Wells, candidate for Glasgow Provan

37 Tackling crime & putting victims first The SNP have failed to prioritise local As well as funding the police properly, When criminals are released on licence, policing, protect victims or properly punish we must protect them from harm. The we would increase the use of electronic criminals in Scotland. Their failures have Scottish Conservatives led the campaign tags and ensure that anyone who has enabled violent crime to increase and left to implement Finn’s Law to increase the breached their licence conditions once victims without the justice they deserve. punishment for harming service animals. We is not allowed out on licence again. have also proposed doubling the maximum Removing a tag should be an offence In contrast, the Scottish Conservatives sentence for assaulting emergency and an automatic public inquiry should be have demonstrated that we are tough workers. We would support the rollout of carried out if any criminal released from on crime and will support the police and body worn cameras to frontline officers, as prison on licence commits a serious crime. prioritise victims. We will work to address they are a vital tool to reduce violence and the causes of crime while also ensuring provide evidence for prosecutions. We would introduce a Victims Law as that, once a crime is committed, the our first piece of legislation, which would offender is punished properly and the Tougher sentencing & justice for include a range of other measures to give victim receives the support they deserve. victims victims the justice they deserve.

More local policing The SNP have effectively scrapped We would also immediately reverse the short prison sentences of less than SNP’s cut to the victim support budget this Since the SNP’s police merger, 681 twelve months and failed to deliver year and commit to increasing it in every frontline officers have been cut and over effective community sentences. The year of the next Parliament. In addition, 100 police stations have been closed. The Scottish Conservatives would revoke we would support the expansion of the local impact of national policy decisions the presumption against short prison Barnahus approach, which supports is not being properly considered and sentences and strengthen community children who are victims or witnesses, fewer officers are on the street. We sentences to ensure they all include across Scotland. would introduce a Local Policing Act to unpaid work and are completed in full. We guarantee a strong police presence in our would also pilot more intensive types of Court delays prevent victims getting communities and enable more community community sentences. We would double justice or closure. There was already input in policing decisions, including by the maximum fines police can issue for a significant court backlog at the start reinstating police scrutiny boards across anti-social behaviour. of 2020 and COVID-19 restrictions Scotland. We must ensure more officers have exacerbated the problem. We are on the streets instead of backfilling We would introduce ‘honest sentencing’ to would accelerate measures to address office vacancies by adequately investing ensure sentences given are the sentences the backlog and adopt permanent in support staff. We would support special served. To implement this, we would modernisations. constables and review their remuneration. end automatic early release and ensure We would also provide the full amount courts are upfront about the length of We would review legal aid fees and work of capital funding which Police Scotland sentences. We would also enable judges with the legal profession to develop a requested this year to invest in proper IT to sentence the very worst criminals to sustainable criminal defence workforce systems and the buildings and vehicles Whole Life Custody to ensure that life strategy. they need to operate effectively. really does mean life.

38 Our Victims Law would: Finally, fraud has increased dramatically which offers support to people who have during the COVID-19 pandemic and experienced violence when they attend ● end the Not Proven verdict so victims court delays have resulted in a lack of emergency departments. get a clear outcome prosecutions. The Scottish Conservatives ● enable all victims to provide victim support the implementation of a statutory 44 per cent of violent crimes are statements so their voices are heard aggravator meaning tougher sentences committed when the offender was under ● implement Michelle’s Law to protect for criminals who intentionally target the influence of alcohol and 30 per cent victims and their families from vulnerable people. were committed under the influence of offenders drugs, so our support for drug and alcohol ● enshrine in legislation the right for all Tackling the causes of crime services will also have a positive impact victims to be notified of decisions not on crime rates. Finally, we would support to prosecute or discontinue criminal Being tough on crime is important, but we mentoring services for veterans who are proceedings so they can challenge must also act to prevent crime happening at risk of becoming involved in the criminal the decision in the first place by addressing links justice system. ● implement Suzanne’s Law so killers between crime and mental health issues, cannot be released if they have not drug and alcohol use and poverty. Reducing reoffending revealed the location of their victim’s body The Scottish Conservatives are committed As well as toughening up community ● introduce a statutory timescale for to delivering equality of opportunity, sentences to ensure they are more Fatal Accident Inquiries to commence including tackling the issues which result in effective, we would alsoimprove the so families can get answers as soon those living in the most deprived areas of rehabilitation provided within prisons as possible Scotland being statistically the most likely in Scotland. All prisoners must be able ● restrict the right of the accused to to be victims of crime. Education is a key to carry out meaningful work, learn skills request post-mortems to protect tool in reducing the likelihood of anyone which translate to jobs outside prison murder victims families from further becoming involved in crime, and we are and have access to a wide range of trauma committed to taking action to reduce educational opportunities. The scandal ● improve access to the Victim inequalities from the early years onward. of prisoners being paid to sit in their Notification Scheme so more victims cells because no work opportunities are receive information about the release Well-resourced and responsive mental available must end. Screening on arrival of offenders health services are fundamental for in prison to identify those who need basic ● ensure families of murder victims can preventing people coming into contact with numeracy and literacy support could make access the Victim Notification Scheme the police. When this does happen, the a massive difference to offenders’ life without arbitrary restrictions police must have clear routes for referring chances upon release. Access to mental ● expand restorative justice to allow anyone experiencing a mental health health and addiction services in prison is more victims to receive an apology crisis – we would invest a further £5 million essential, and efforts must be stepped up from offenders over the course of the next Parliament to prevent the use of drugs, particularly to continue the rollout of a nationwide new psychoactive substances, and Distress Brief Intervention programme. The alcohol within prisons. Specific support Scottish Conservatives will also maintain programmes should be designed and the Scottish Violence Reduction Unit piloted for those serving short sentences. and expand the Navigator programme

39 To prepare prisoners for release, genuine hate crime must be punished, the implementation of the Forensic Medical throughcare services, which the SNP freedom of speech must be protected from Services Act and work with health boards suspended in 2019, should be available to this overreaching legislation. and Police Scotland to ensure victims of all prisoners with input from specialist third sexual violence are not forced to travel long sector providers. We would also strengthen Tackling violence against women distances to be examined. links between the prison service and local and girls authorities to minimise re-offending when We would introduce a new ‘sex prisoners are released. The prevalence of violence and harassment aggravator’ to punish crimes motivated against women and girls has triggered calls by misogyny more harshly and provide In addition, we would refresh Scotland’s for action. We believe the issue should additional funding for domestic abuse youth justice strategy to break cycles become a joint responsibility of the equality charities to respond to the impact of of offending and increase the focus and community safety ministers. This autumn, COVID-19 until the end of 2021. on education by incorporating formal we would launch a national campaign, education into community sentences for focused on schools, to challenge attitudes Supporting Scotland’s Fire & young offenders and making returning towards sexual harassment. Rescue Service to education a licence condition for any young offenders who are released early We welcome Lady Dorrian’s review into The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service has from a custodial sentence. improving the management of sexual played a vital and diverse role throughout offence cases and will take forward the COVID-19 pandemic – we will continue Repealing the Hate Crime Act recommendations which will improve the to support the wider transformation of experience of victims, whilst ensuring that the service to ensure they are prepared The Scottish Conservatives have strongly the right to a jury trial remains protected. to tackle new and emerging risks and opposed the SNP’s Hate Crime Act. To We would introduce a legal right to support their communities. As part of this, protect free speech, we would introduce anonymity for victims of sexual offences the Service must receive an adequate a Protection of Free Speech Bill to repeal and review whether legal changes amount of capital funding to ensure they the Hate Crime Act and prevent other are required to remove the ‘rough sex can operate effectively. attacks on freedom of expression. While defence’ in Scotland. We would support

40 Representing rural Scotland In our trade talks, we will follow the following & our natural environmentprinciples: Scotland’s rural communities have been One in nine species in Scotland are national infrastructure. We will work with neglected by the SNP for too long. threatened by extinction. To prevent the UK Government to ensure Nature They have been held back by poor this, the Scottish Conservatives would Networks are seamless where they infrastructure, diminished services and bring forward an ambitious Nature Bill to cross between Scotland and England. a lack of clarity for farmers - this must strengthen environmental protections on We will fund a national strategy for the change now. Rural areas must not be land and sea for Scottish species and their management and removal of invasive non- left behind as Scotland recovers from habitats. native species, where they damage our COVID-19, so we have set out plans to environment. spread economic growth and improve Our coastal communities can thrive and public services. We must also tackle rural grow while we better protect our marine Peatland covers more than a fifth of crime and support the fishing and farming biology - the two are not mutually exclusive. Scotland, yet around 80 per cent of communities who are the bedrock of our With 61 per cent of the UK’s domestic Scotland’s natural peatland is degraded. rural areas. waters, Scotland has an important role in To prevent further damage, we would end responsible marine stewardship. We will peat extraction for use in compost and we Scotland’s rural areas are also diverse review the current Marine Protected Areas would aim to increase peatland restoration natural environments which we must in Scottish waters, with a view to expanding to 20,000 hectares annually by 2024-25. protect - they are crucial for tackling their extent, and pilot the introduction of climate change and attracting visitors. Highly Protected Marine Areas. We will Trees are nature’s carbon capture We would strengthen environmental and promote sustainable fishing and effective technology and the basis of many natural animal welfare protections to preserve stock management. We would establish a habitats. We would increase new tree these areas for the future. £25 million Cleaner Seas Fund - to fund planting in Scotland to 18,000 hectares projects that will take harmful products annually by 2024-25. However, quality and Protecting our natural including plastics out of our seas. biodiversity are also important, so we would increase the proportion of new planting environment for the next We will support the restoration and that is of native species, while ensuring that generation protection of island habitats used Scotland’s forests are productive. We would by seabirds. We would also protect work with the construction sector to increase Our natural environment is one of Scotland’s iconic salmon rivers. We will the use of timber for building. We would Scotland’s greatest assets, and we must support land managers in controlling our place a particular emphasis on protecting do everything we can to protect and deer population to reduce damage to our and reversing the decline in Atlantic nurture it so it can be enjoyed by future natural environment. woodlands, known as Scotland’s rainforests. generations. The Scottish Conservatives greatly value and support all those groups We would establish Nature Networks In recognition of the role of nature in which, for generations, have worked across Scotland to better safeguard helping many people to get through the tirelessly to maintain and enhance our protected areas, allow species to move pandemic and to collectively remember countryside, its biodiversity and the between habitats and ensure that our friends and family who lost their lives to highest standards of animal welfare. natural assets are treated as part of our coronavirus, we would focus our tree

41 planting over the next year on the creation of COVID Memorial Gardens in and around communities.

Scotland has two national parks, Loch Lomond and The Trossachs and the Cairngorms. Nearly twenty years on from their creation, we would create Scotland’s third national park in Galloway and consider other proposals for further parks.

As we have seen during the pandemic, green spaces are essential for our mental wellbeing and physical health. For many people, our Green Belts provide this escape and they also protect our natural landscape from expanding development. We will strengthen protections for Green Belts, both to protect the land and encourage the development of brownfield sites in cities and towns. Delivering the highest standards of animal welfare

The Scottish Conservatives stand for the highest standards in animal welfare. We are proud of our campaign to deliver Finn’s Law in the last Parliament, giving proper protection to service animals like police dogs. We will continue to work with other parties across the Scottish Parliament to strengthen protections for animals in Scotland by bringing forward a new Animal Welfare Bill.

As a result of the lockdown, the demand for pets is at an all-time high. Less scrupulous sellers will see this as an opportunity and pet theft has increased. of rural crime and support the Scottish Supporting Scotland’s It is unfortunately likely that we will see Partnership Against Rural Crime to spread many animals not receiving the attention best practice for liaising with farmers and farming communities they deserve, being mistreated or being rural communities within Police Scotland. Agriculture is the backbone of our rural abandoned when restrictions are lifted communities, from the rich and fertile and normal life resumes. Vigilance on the Litter, fly-tipping and irresponsible arable heartlands of Aberdeenshire, East part of lawmakers towards the treatment camping are an increasing blight on our Lothian and Angus to the dairy farms of domesticated animals will be more natural environment and green spaces of Dumfries and Galloway and the hill important than it has ever been. in communities across Scotland. We will sheep farms and crofts of Argyll and the increase fixed penalties and maximum Highlands and Islands. While ear cropping dogs has been made fines for litter and fly-tipping and illegal across the UK it is still possible for use the increased income to resource However, the SNP have repeatedly dogs to have their ears cropped abroad council enforcement measures, as well failed to support Scotland’s farmers and and then brought to this country for sale. as introducing regular reporting. We will crofters during their 14 years in power. As part of our Animal Welfare Bill, we also bring in new legislation to ensure that Their botched CAP payment system would ban the sale of dogs with cropped local authorities and other agencies can left farmers out of pocket and uncertain ears in Scotland. We would follow effectively prosecute offenders and make about the future of their farms. They Wales in banning the use of electric them pay for clean up costs. scrapped support for new entrants into shock collars. We would amend the the sector and have cut agri-environment Dangerous Dogs Act, so that dogs are not We helped shape new livestock worrying support. They short-changed farmers to automatically put down due to their breed. legislation and will deliver tougher and plug gaps in the Less Favoured Areas more comprehensive legislation to tackle Support Scheme and have failed to tackle We also would take forward measures to this issue and compensate farmers in our rural crime. improve the welfare of farmed animals in Animal Welfare Bill. transportation. In doing so, we will take This cannot continue. The Scottish account of Scotland’s geography and With more people spending time Conservatives will work to deliver the established farming models. We do not outdoors, we must encourage them to changes needed to support this crucial believe that the scheme as proposed in enjoy Scotland’s countryside responsibly. sector. Leaving the European Union has England is right for Scotland. We would expand Visit Scotland’s presented challenges and opportunities for current responsible tourism campaign Scotland’s farming communities, and we Cracking down on rural to provide farmers with resources to must take action now to secure the benefits explain the Scottish Outdoor Access it can provide. The SNP have dallied and crime Code to the public and provide packs to delayed - they promised to set out details The nature of crime is often different in schools to teach children about how to of Scotland’s new agricultural policy by the rural and remote areas but it is no less protect the countryside. We would also end of 2020, but farmers are still waiting. severe - the cost of rural crime has more commit to expanding ranger services than doubled since 2017. It needs to be permanently by delivering the actions set We must not waste any more time. treated with the magnitude it deserves, out in NatureScot’s policy statement and Uncertainty over the new approach means starting with a review of sentences and ensuring they have the funding they need. that farmers are holding off from investing penalties. We would also take steps to in their businesses until the direction improve the reporting and recording of travel has been set. A blueprint for

43 consultation must be published within 100 support. Many are willing to go further, but the UK Government to deliver a UK- days of the May election. the SNP’s current funding is insufficient wide funding framework which supports - the Scottish Conservatives would Scotland’s new agricultural policy and Alongside a new farm payment system, reverse cuts to the Agri-Environment recognise the importance of trade within we would work with Scotland’s world- Climate Scheme and agree a multi-year the UK to our agricultural producers. leading food and drink sector to boost extension until the new agricultural policy demand for Scottish produce and is implemented. We would also review the Boosting innovation ensure the farming sector is sustainable value of the Agricultural Transformation by supporting new innovations and Programme, while ensuring the funding is While encouraging innovation should technology as well as new entrants. spent effectively to support low emission be central to Scotland’s new agricultural farming. policy, additional support will also be Scotland’s new agricultural policy required to ensure our farmers and Scotland’s new agricultural policy crofters are able to continue making high In the immediate future, stability is must allow farmers to farm, while also quality products like Aberdeen Angus required to enable farmers and crofters supporting the sector to become more beef, Scotch lamb and malting barley for to prepare for the introduction of sustainable and meet the Ambition 30 Scotch whisky. Scotland’s new agricultural policy. The UK target for Scotland’s farming, fishing, and Government has provided a commitment food and drink sectors to double their To help attract young people to work in to maintain current funding levels until turnover by 2030. agriculture, a review of the qualifications 2024, providing a stable backdrop as available in Scotland’s schools and the new policy is developed. However, The development of the new agricultural colleges should be carried out to ensure changes to the current agriculture support policy must be farmer-led and we high-quality options, from full-time courses system are also required to provide would work with the sector to design it, to apprenticeships, are available. It is vital stability and certainty until the new prioritising simplicity at every stage. The that young people receive cutting edge system is implemented. Scottish Conservatives believe it must training in modern farming methods if adequately support the diversity of farms they are to support our farms to keep Work to improve the Basic Payment in Scotland, particularly those in less innovating. Even once trained, it can be System, remove the Crop Diversification favoured areas, by ensuring a basic level too difficult for young farmers to enter requirement and amend the Scottish of funding is provided to all farmers and the sector without inheriting a farm. We Suckler Beef Support Scheme, Scottish crofters who are carrying out responsible would support new entrants in the sector Upland Sheep Support Scheme and agricultural activity. We believe additional by reinstating the Young Farmers and Beef Efficiency Scheme must continue. funding should be focused on improving New Entrants Start Up Grants as well as In addition, the Permanent Grassland productivity and sustainability. It must the New Entrants Capital Grant Scheme. requirement should be removed and a also support farmers to make long-term We would encourage intergenerational review of Ecological Focus Areas should investments and reduce bureaucracy. partnerships via mentoring schemes, be carried out. We would ensure Regional Land Use with a focus on supporting women in the Partnerships sufficiently represent the sector. We would also support succession Farmers and crofters make a significant agricultural sector and support the planning and ensure farm tenancies work contribution to efforts to reduce carbon delivery of the new agricultural policy. for tenants and landowners. emissions through their stewardship of the countryside, often without any financial In addition, we would work closely with Existing farmers need access to the latest

44 skills too, so we would launch a national strengthen producers’ bargaining power, further action to support our coastal agricultural Institute of Technology to bring support them to upscale and export, better communities, including by supporting together farmers, colleges and universities label Scottish produce, ensure public freeport bids and targeting Community to deliver short modular training courses procurement utilises Scottish produce Investment Deal funding at these areas. for farmers, online and face-to-face. We wherever possible, promote Scottish would invest an additional £10 million produce at home and abroad, including in a year in agricultural research and our schools, reduce food waste and boost development and support pilot farms to food and agri-tourism. trial new ways to improve farm efficiency and spread best practice across Scotland. Promoting our fishing

We would work with the UK Government sector to ensure the Shared Prosperity Fund Now that we have left the EU and the includes schemes which promote farm Common Fisheries Policy, the Scottish diversification. fishing sector has the opportunity to grow after years of managed decline. Creating a National Food There have been initial difficulties, but the Strategy opportunity remains.

To achieve Ambition 2030, we must The Scottish and UK Governments need increase demand for local Scottish to work together to land that opportunity. produce as well as supply. The SNP failed The UK Government has committed to deliver the promised Good Food Nation £100 million towards modernising the Bill, so the Scottish Conservatives would catching and processing sectors and the launch a comprehensive ‘farm to fork’ Scottish Government will receive another review of Scotland’s food policy as a key £14.5 million per year to support Scottish part of Scotland’s economic recovery from fishing - both of Scotland’s governments COVID-19. must work together to use this funding to deliver a better future for the sector. The UK’s food system coped remarkably well during the pandemic, but it To do this, the Scottish Conservatives demonstrated our reliance on ‘just in would negotiate a transformative sector time’ supply chains and imports from deal for Scottish fishing so that we can abroad. Encouraging public services, bring together catchers and processors businesses and individuals to buy more with the Scottish and UK Government local products will have multiple benefits. around a shared vision for the future of Our review would build on Ambition 2030 the industry. This will grow the sector by and use Scotland’s new agricultural policy setting a long-term investment strategy as a foundation. It should be led by an with government and employers. independent figure and report by summer 2022. Its remit should include ways to The Scottish Conservatives will take

46

Protecting the most vulnerable in our society

The Scotland Act 2016 devolved The Scottish Conservatives believe that must be fully funded and implemented, substantial welfare powers, including getting our economic recovery right and and services for unpaid carers must be control over benefits worth £3.6 billion, to focusing on creating jobs is an important joined up to prevent carers falling through the Scottish Parliament. It will take the SNP initial step in challenging poverty. Over a the cracks. Government nearly a decade to accept third of children in poverty live in workless the full transfer of devolved benefits, households. Therefore, delivering a We would improve the Carers Allowance when in 2014 they promised that an growing economy with full employment by introducing a taper rate so that carers independent Scotland would take just 18 is essential to tackling child poverty. do not lose 100 per cent of their allowance months to set up. Meanwhile, the costs of if they earn £1 over the £128 per week setting up their new social security agency However, while work is the best route limit on earnings. We will also extend have doubled to £651 million - money being out of poverty, that is not the only action payments of Carers Allowance to up to used for administration instead of helping we should take to tackle child poverty. six months after bereavement and allow claimants. That is why we would deliver free school carers in full time education to continue to lunches and breakfasts for all children receive Carers Allowance. The UK Government has increased in primary school, ensuring that they get Universal Credit payments by £20 per week a decent meal twice per day. We will also We must ensure carers are supported to support those on low or no pay during build 40,000 new homes in the social to remain in work wherever possible, the pandemic. The Scottish Conservative rented sector to ensure that children grow including by providing dedicated approach to our social security system up in warm, safe housing. In addition, we employability services to support those will build on this by targeting the use of would complete the rollout of the Scottish who have had to give up work to return our devolved powers to help specific Child Payment and increase payments when they are able. groups within our society. We will deliver to £20 per week by the end of the a distinctive ‘Scottish approach’ to social Parliament. We would introduce a new action plan security underpinned by the broad for young carers to ensure there is a shoulders of the UK welfare state. Supporting carers coordinated approach to identification and support. Tackling child poverty Unpaid carers are the backbone of our social care system, yet they often Tackling homelessness One in four children in Scotland live in go unrecognised. It is impossible for poverty, with poverty rates forecast to rise government to do enough to reward Homelessness is a blight on modern over the next ten years. Poverty has only carers for what they do but that should not Scotland. Over 5,000 adults sleep rough at increased as a result of the pandemic stop us from striving to do more. least once per year, with our homelessness and will rise further if we do not focus death rate being double that of England on our economic recovery and tackling We would ensure respite services are and Wales. The number of children living in unemployment. It is those with the least supported to reopen to assist carers who temporary accommodation has reached its that are most damaged by the impact of have been under extreme pressure during highest level since records began. This is a recessions. the pandemic. Existing carers legislation national scandal that requires action, which

49 is why we are committed to eradicating Pioneered in New York in the 1990s, from the programme, leaving it to local rough sleeping in Scotland by 2026. Housing First emphasises that having a authorities to deliver. We would invest settled home will ensure people have the £10.8 million over the next Parliament We would accelerate Housing First and security they need to fully engage with to deliver a national Housing First roll this approach out across all local other forms of support and begin to turn Programme. authorities, to get people into safe and their lives around. However, in Scotland, stable housing as quickly as possible. the SNP are removing central funding We would also utilise the private rented

50 sector in the medium term, with a Help be homeless, struggling to get a hospital introduce a specific veterans’ Help to Buy to Rent scheme, to support people who appointment or trapped in a cycle of scheme to give veterans and their families are homeless or at risk of homelessness reoffending. more support when buying a home in to access and sustain a tenancy in the Scotland. private rented sector. Over the long-term The Scottish Conservatives aspire to be we will ensure that there is sufficient the natural party of our Armed Forces Delivering aid abroad accommodation across Scotland with and Scotland’s veteran community. That the biggest social housing building is why we fought at Westminster for The Scottish Conservatives are committed programme since devolution. service personnel living in Scotland to be to promoting Scotland’s role at home and compensated for the SNP’s higher income abroad. Scotland plays an important part Supporting people with tax so that they did not receive less pay in the UK’s international aid commitment, disabilities into employment than their comrades. which is among the most generous of any major economy in the world. We We believe that everyone should be We value the sacrifices made by those support the continuation of the Scottish entitled to work and that everyone should who have served in our Armed Forces Government’s £10 million International be given the support they need to get and their families and know how difficult Development Fund and the long-standing secure employment. The SNP’s Fair Start the transition to civilian life can be. We Scotland Malawi Partnership. Scotland programme has failed to help also know the value that veterans and people with disabilities into jobs, with their families can bring to the communities Providing equal opportunities just 1 in 6 participants finding long-term in which they choose to live. We want employment. servicemen and women who choose to We will tackle prejudice and discrimination settle in Scotland upon leaving the Forces in all forms to ensure no one is held The Scottish Conservatives believe that to know that they are settling in a land back from succeeding due to their race, a new approach to supporting disability fit for heroes, that offers them and their sexuality, gender, religion or disability. employment is required. We would create families the most generous support of any Equality of opportunity for all is central to a government owned company, based part of the UK. our conservative values, so we will embed on the Swedish Samhall model, providing the removal of barriers into all our policies. meaningful employment opportunities To achieve this, we will bring forward an for people with disabilities. The aim of Armed Forces and Veterans Bill which We would work with the UK Government this model would be to give people with will further incorporate the Armed Forces to end conversion therapy in Scotland disabilities the experience and in-work Covenant in law for devolved Scottish and ensure frontline responders are skills they need to secure long-term public bodies like local government trained to support victims of hate crime. employment outside of the company. We and our NHS. We would encourage We would also work with community would also establish a fundamental review businesses to voluntarily sign up to its representatives to develop a targeted of disability assistance, to deliver a human provisions. Through the Bill we will also approach to tackling poverty amongst rights-based system. enhance support for veterans to transition ethnic minorities and take forward work to civilian life and make the best use of to tackle poor health outcomes amongst Making Scotland a land fit for their talents, recognising them for the ethnic minority groups, building on the heroes and their families asset that they are to our communities and work of the Expert Reference Group on economy. COVID-19 and Ethnicity. Veterans have served our country, some in life-endangering situations, and now our We will use our devolved welfare duty is to serve them. Yet there are many powers to create a new top-up benefit veterans and families that are not being for veterans households in receipt of recognised for their sacrifice – they may Universal Credit. In addition, we would

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Ensuring the Scottish Parliament works in the national interest

The next Scottish Parliament must be powers that we have to rebuild Scotland, We believe that the SNP Government’s one that works in our national interest. It not on more arguments about powers for decision to give the vote to prisoners needs to put political obsessions to one their own sake. is an affront to democracy. Offenders side and focus 100 per cent on managing should lose their right to vote when they this pandemic and rebuilding our country. The Referendum Act would allow the commit serious crime and are still serving That can only happen if we stop an SNP SNP to fast track their plans for a divisive their punishment. As the only party in majority and their push for a divisive second independence referendum with the Scottish Parliament that opposed second independence referendum, minimal scrutiny. We would repeal the prisoner voting being introduced, we which only a party list vote for the Scottish Referendum Act to remove the threat would revoke this right. Conservatives can do. of the SNP rushing through another independence referendum. Strengthening the opposition In a hung parliament, we have the opportunity to strengthen the role of the At Westminster, there are clear rules The SNP Government claims to stand up opposition to hold the government to around recall, allowing a by-election to for the Scottish Parliament but regularly account. This will ensure that we avoid take place in certain circumstances, but ignores its votes and treats it with bad law like the Hate Crime Act, Named no such rules exist for MSPs. We will contempt. Over the last six months, our Persons Scheme and Offensive Behaviour introduce Mackay’s Law, allowing the parliamentary processes have been at Football Act. It also means that we can public to recall MSPs who have broken exposed as weak and not up to the task reduce the cost of politics, leading to the law, grossly undermined trust or of holding the government to account. smaller and more efficient government. failed to contribute to Parliament for more than six months. This will mean that We will lead a cross-party commission on Strengthening Scottish Scotland will never again face the scandal improving how the Scottish Parliament democracy of a disgraced former minister remaining operates and strengthening its role in an MSP, earning over £100,000 and failing scrutinising the Scottish Government. This The past five years have seen the Scottish to represent his constituents. will include considering the accountability Parliament implementing the powers of ministers to Parliament through a that were devolved in the Scotland Act Scotland was the first part of the UK to disciplinary process independent of 2016. However, many powers over tax deliver votes for 16- and 17-year-olds for government, lack of legal protections and welfare are still administered by the Scottish Parliament and local elections. for MSPs in debate and the election of UK Government and a date has not yet The Scottish Conservatives continue to committee chairs. been set for the Scottish Government support a voting age of 16 for all Scottish to completely take over. The focus in elections. We will also use this commission to our Parliament needs to be on using the explore how we modernise the working

53 practices of the Scottish Parliament, to make them more suitable for MSPs with young families.

Cutting the cost of Holyrood politics

We believe in efficient government, not costly politics. The SNP used to promise a “smaller, better-focused ministerial team” that would “reduce bureaucracy” but over their 14 years in government the SNP have become more bloated than the Labour-Liberal Democrat coalition they replaced.

To reduce the cost of politics and get the Scottish Government 100 per cent focused on the task of rebuilding our country, we support a reduction in the size of the Cabinet from 12 to 6, as the SNP themselves did in 2007, and a cap on the number of ministers and advisers. This will create a more focused team, solely engaged in our economic recovery and the running of devolved public services.

Given the need to maximise resources going to our frontline public services and the need for politicians to lead by example, we will support a freeze in MSP and ministerial pay for the next five years.

54 Prioritising our recovery

The next five years need to be focused That is why we are asking you to use on a collective national effort to rebuild your party list vote for the Scottish Scotland from the impact of coronavirus. Conservatives on the 6th of May, to stop We need to support our public services a second referendum and secure our to help the people who rely on them and recovery. kickstart our economy to create jobs. This should be the priority now for our Scottish If pro-UK voters come together behind the Parliament. Scottish Conservatives then we can stop an SNP majority, just like we did in 2016, After the election, the Scottish and ensure that the Scottish Parliament Conservatives will be prepared to work focuses on our recovery. with any party that wants to put our recovery first and deliver a programme A second referendum is the last thing to rebuild Scotland. Now is the time for we need right now. It is time to rebuild coming together in the national interest, Scotland. not old rivalries and party politics.

However, we cannot deliver our recovery if our Parliament and our country are paralysed by the SNP’s obsession with another divisive independence referendum. We cannot move forward if we are divided by an SNP majority government that wants to put that referendum before our recovery.

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