PEOPLE often turn off when it comes to politics. They don’t think their vote matters or that politics has any impact on them.

In this column, I’m going to highlight just some of the ways the First Minister’s Programme for Government 2023-24 will help people in West Dunbartonshire and across Scotland have a better standard of living.

The full document can be read here.

The programme lays out the Scottish Government’s priorities for the year ahead, with plans focused around the three themes of equality, community and opportunity. These themes form the bedrock of Scotland’s democracy and set it apart from a broken Westminster system that is incapable of delivering results.

Combining ambition for economic growth with a commitment to reducing inequality, shows how a government can be both pro-growth and anti-poverty and does not need to hammer ordinary people to deliver positive change for the whole population.

The Scottish Government is dedicated to uplifting and supporting its citizens, especially during challenging times. As part of this commitment, they will remove income-based restrictions for the Best Start Foods grant, which assists pregnant women and young children in purchasing nutritious food.

This change will expand support to even more families, providing them with the necessary resources to thrive. The Scottish Child payment, Funeral Support Payment and all disability and carers benefits will increase by inflation, providing crucial financial assistance to those most in need.

Further support for families will be delivered by expanding access to high-quality childcare. Lack of childcare is a real concern for so many families, and relieving this burden can make a real difference to parents.

Making childcare more accessible also has an economic advantage, boosting productivity and providing security for Scotland’s hardworking families.

The Scottish Government is committed to the provision of free school meals for all children in Primary 1 to 5. Too many children in the UK go hungry. UK budgets, austerity policies, Brexit and the cost-of-living crisis have left families struggling to keep their heads above water, and while Labour refuse to commit to deliver free school meals, the SNP Scottish Government is delivering.

For too long, social care has been undervalued and underfunded. The SNP recognises the vital contribution of care staff, so we have committed to increasing pay for social care workers in a direct care role, helping social care staff, their families, and our communities. It amounts to an increase of up to £2,000 per year for care staff on full-time contracts.

From October, the Scottish Government will be piloting the abolition of peak-time rail fares for everyone. The pilot will make rail travel more affordable and accessible. The current system isn’t delivering for commuters and work is also being done to improve reliability of rail services.

Current miscarriage care arrangements are failing families throughout Scotland, and the SNP realises that a new plan is needed. To better women’s healthcare, we’re changing miscarriage care so those suffering can access the tailored support they need rather than the generic service that is in place now, that often does not meet individual needs.

There’s so much more in the programme, from enhanced rights and protection for tenants to investment in business and entrepreneurial talent. The Scottish Government is listening and providing the change that people across Scotland want and need to see delivered.

The benefit to people in West Dunbartonshire is real and while the Tories and Labour descend into playground squabbling, competing to see who can be the most Conservative, the SNP will continue to be the mature, grown-up, left of centre Party which West Dunbartonshire and Scotland needs.