The SNP Government has “hit the ground running”, John Swinney has claimed.
Speaking on the final day of Holyrood before summer recess, the First Minister pointed to the creation of the First Homes Fund – which opened on Wednesday – and the announcement of plans to expand the number of GP walk-in centres.
“My Government always intended to hit the ground running on our key priorities including supporting people with the high cost of living, growing the economy and delivering public sector reform to improve services. We have done exactly that,” the First Minister said.
Within our first month, we have taken immediate action to improve lives across Scotland
“Within our first month, we have taken immediate action to improve lives across Scotland.
“That includes setting up the First Homes Fund to help first-time buyers onto the property ladder and expanding the GP walk-in services pilot.
“Our focus on these priorities is resolute, and the work of government will continue at pace over the parliamentary summer recess.
“That will include taking forward plans to ensure affordable prices of essential food in our supermarkets, which will help to keep more money in family’s pockets.
“While we will continue to do everything in our power to improve public services and standards of living for people in Scotland, our nation will only reach its full potential outside the constraints of the United Kingdom.
“My government will continue to push for the legal right to hold an independence referendum, so Scotland is able to decide its own future and we can build a fairer, more prosperous nation.”
But Scottish Tory deputy leader Rachael Hamilton said the First Minister was “deluding himself”.
“The SNP have been unable to escape the Peter Murrell scandal since polling day because their weak financial safeguards enabled Nicola Sturgeon’s husband to get away with his industrial scale theft, while John Swinney is fuelling public suspicion by refusing to agree to an independent inquiry,” she said.
“Hard-working Scots face yet more SNP tax rises or cuts to key services in order to balance the books, because his new finance secretary stubbornly refuses to rein in the out-of-control benefits bill.
“As ever, Swinney is ludicrously claiming that independence is the solution to all the problems his Government’s incompetence has created.”
Scottish Labour deputy leader Dame Jackie Bailie said: “The SNP’s first 100 days in government was in 2007, but I hope the new term brings a renewed sense of urgency.
“For too long Scots have been asked to settle for managed decline.
“The SNP must focus on getting the basics right and delivering what they promised – fixing our NHS, improving public services, and making life more affordable.”
Scottish Liberal Democrat leader Alex Cole-Hamilton said: “This press release has lots of nice words, but people want to see results.
“Right now, they are seeing the opposite: big bills, long waits for healthcare and crime rising to record levels.
“In the coming weeks and months, Scottish Liberal Democrats will keep pressing the government for action on these issues and more.
“From the Highlands and Islands to Fife, Edinburgh, Bearsden and the Borders, our new MSPs will be helping their constituents in every corner of the country and delivering for them.”