Programme for Government 2026-31: Putting Prevention and Health Creation into Action
Voluntary Health Scotland (VHS) welcomes the Scottish Government’s Programme for Government 2026–31 and the stronger focus it places on prevention, community-based care, tackling poverty and public service reform. These commitments reflect many of the priorities championed by VHS and our members through our Manifesto for Health Creation and represent important steps towards creating a healthier, fairer Scotland.
We welcome the creation of a Prevention Unit, a Prevention Investment Framework and a commitment to “put prevention first” across public services signaling a positive shift towards addressing the root causes of poor health over the long-term rather than simply responding to crisis.
There are also important commitments to tackling some of Scotland’s most persistent health inequalities, including action on drug deaths, improved access to mental health services and a stronger focus on the wider determinants of health. Commitments on child poverty, housing, employability, homelessness prevention and community wellbeing recognise a fundamental truth: health is created in our communities, not just in our hospitals and health services.
However, more needs to be done to fully realise the ambition of health creation and health equity. The Programme for Government could go further in recognising the vital contribution of third sector organisations and Community Link Workers as essential partners alongside public services. Despite growing evidence, there is still no commitment to universal Community Link Worker provision or long-term funding for social prescribing. We look forward to the development of a Partnership Agreement with the third sector and believe this must lead to greater parity in commissioning, funding, decision-making and influence.
Responding to the Programme for Government, Tejesh Mistry, VHS Chief Executive states that:
“The Programme for Government demonstrates meaningful ambition towards prevention and health creation. The challenge now is implementation. VHS will continue to work with Government, the NHS, local authorities and partners across the third sector to ensure that prevention, health equity and community based approaches remain at the heart of Scotland’s future health agenda. Our growing diverse membership will continue to play a vital role in shaping health for our communities”.
If you have any further questions about our Programme for Government response, please email us at mail@vhscotland.org.uk
