Scotland’s Programme for Government 2026-2031, our response 

We welcome the continued focus on ending child poverty, the ambitious expansion of childcare, support for the cost of living and a commitment to reform social care. However, it is essential that this programme is delivered in consultation with families raising disabled children so that their needs are truly met. 

Ending child poverty  

We are pleased to see measures to boost family incomes, reduce household costs and support sustained paid work.

However, we would like to have seen a greater focus on the increased risk of experiencing poverty faced by families of disabled children including a commitment to raise the Scottish Child Payment and introduce a premium for households with a disabled member.

Cost of living  

The continuation of the child winter heating payment and plans to provide enhanced energy-cost support for people who rely on lifesaving equipment or need palliative care are positive steps. However, many families with disabled children face higher costs including for temperature control, communication devices, and other essential support. Additional help should recognise these wider pressures. We also welcome the extension of the £2 cap on bus fares to the West of Scotland and eventually all of Scotland, which will help reduce costs for many. Affordable transport can improve access to education, employment, and community activities for disabled households. However, travelling by bus is not realistic for all families raising disabled and seriously ill children due to geography, availability and health and accessibility needs.

Similarly, the Government’s idea of capping the price of some essential food items must account consider for the needs of disabled and seriously ill children such as specific dietary needs.

Childcare 

There is an ambitious and welcome expansion of funded childcare including breakfast clubs in all primary schools from August 2027 and after-school and holiday childcare offer from August. This will make a big difference for families.

However, a stronger commitment to enhanced childcare for priority family groups, including families with disabled children is needed. Meaningful engagement with families raising disabled children will be essential to ensure they can benefit fully.

Digital Inclusion

The commitment to improving digital and vocational skills among the working-age population and creating new schemes to support disabled people into work is great news. Parent carers of disabled children, who are at high risk of digital exclusion, as highlighted in our Digitally Excluded research face particular barriers to digital inclusion. Targeted support for them will be essential to ensure effective delivery.

Social Care

While we welcome the First Minister’s promise of rapid action on social care reform, we are very concerned at the lack of focus on support for unpaid carers within the Programme for Government. For social care reform to succeed, it must be informed by through meaningful engagement with unpaid carers, including those caring for a disabled child.

Family Fund looks forward to working with MSPs from all parties to ensure that families raising disabled and seriously ill children are at the heart of policy development and can fully benefit from the positive programme set out.