Landscaping under the Scottish Government 2025-26
The Scottish Government has published its Programme for Government for 2025 to 2026, bringing potential implications for BALI members north of the border.
The programme sets out policies under four key themes: growing the economy, eradicating child poverty, tackling the climate emergency, and high quality and sustainable public services.
With the landscaping sector set for growth and a key role in climate action, plans for growing the economy and tackling climate change may be the most relevant for members.
Under growing the economy, the programme promises a consultation on mechanisms to accelerate housebuilding, raising the prospect of greater demand for associated landscape services than otherwise.
There is also a focus on skills, with a commitment to better match post-school provision with the nation’s strategic needs – which may open the door to addressing the skills gap in our sector.
Funding for the Small Business Bonus Scheme – which can provide up to 100% non-domestic rates relief – makes it into the plan, though this is merely a continuation of the offer.
Under tackling climate change, the programme covers green industries, decarbonising transport and buildings, and reversing the decline in nature, but there is little detail on the role of landscaping industries.
However, we know that our members have a significant part to play in climate mitigation and adaptation, be it switching to battery powered equipment, creating well-draining landscapes, or using the BALI-supported carbon calculator, elemental.
The programme also summarises six Bills which the government hopes to introduce, namely budget (no. 5), children and young people (care), contract (formation and remedies), digital assets, heat in buildings, and non-surgical cosmetic procedures.
BALI will track the development of policies set out in the programme, alongside our day-to-day work with the Scottish Government on issues like plant health, and communicate any relevant developments to members.
