The Scottish Government has published its Programme for Government for 2026-2031.

It includes plans for modernising the NHS, eradicating child poverty, growing the economy and tackling the climate emergency.

First Minister John Swinney has pledged that the actions of his government will be focussed on delivering lasting improvements to people’s lives.

There are plans to improve public services by removing unnecessary duplication and overlap, getting resources more directly to the frontline services.

The plans include replacing the current 14 territorial health boards with two strategic health boards which should free up more time and capacity for treatment.

The government also plans to reach a clear shared direction on substantial reform to local governance, including social care over the next three months.

A national breakfast club will be delivered for all primary schools from August 2027 and, by 2031, providing childcare support 52 weeks a year for children from nine months old to the end of primary school.

Scottish Child Payment will be raised to £40 per week for eligible babies under 1 during 2027-28.

£205 million has been set aside for winter heating payments for pensioners, families with disabled children and struggling households.

First Minister John Swinney said: “This ambitious Programme for Government has radical and widespread public service reform at its heart to deliver real, lasting improvements to people’s lives.

“By rewiring a system of services designed for the last century, we will simplify and reshape organisations on which everyone relies and ensure every pound of investment achieves maximum impact.

“As we do so, we will build on the most generous cost of living package anywhere in the UK while continuing to tackle inequality, poverty and division.

“This is a Programme for Government to deliver a fairer, healthier and more prosperous nation.”