OUR APPROACH TO GOVERNMENT
Our approach is based on vision, trust and competence - and it is an approach that will continue to guide our actions as we work to ensure economic recovery and deliver on our ambition for a more successful Scotland.
Our aim is to govern responsibly and effectively so we can continue to earn the trust and support of the people of Scotland. We are taking forward policies that embody Scotland's traditions of enterprise, democracy and social justice and will always look for opportunities to enhance Scotland's position at home and in the wider world.
Of course, delivery of our programme is dependent on the passing of the Scottish Budget. Our Budget Bill, which seeks approval for our spending plans for 2010-11 will be taken forward, as in previous years, by seeking consensus on what is best for Scotland, to ensure Parliament's agreement to our financial proposals.
At the heart of our approach is the delivery of higher levels of sustainable economic growth - creating a rich country and rich society - so that the Scotland that emerges from the downturn is stronger, wealthier and fairer. That is our Purpose as a government and our social democratic contract with the people of Scotland. It is a commitment built around core principles of solidarity, cohesion and sustainability. Solidarity - all of Scotland's citizens sharing in the opportunity and success; cohesion - no part of our country left behind; and sustainability - passing on to the next generation a nation that is flourishing and living within its means.
Social partnership is central to this approach - and we will continue to build on the collaborative working and partnership with local government, through the Concordat, and with other stakeholders across Scottish society; working together on the development and delivery of Single Outcome Agreements to bring about real outcomes that make a difference to people's lives. Our Scotland-wide collaborative approach - the National Performance Framework - is driving transformational change with all of the public sector now working together to achieve agreed national outcomes.
And we believe in greater responsibility for Scotland. Responsibility should lie with those best able to use it - in central or local government, or in our communities. Our approach will continue to bring about a culture of independence, a culture of responsibility, to ensure communities and individuals are playing their part in efforts to deal with some of the most pressing challenges facing our nation, from the current economic downturn to the longer-term problems associated with alcohol.
And of course just as greater responsibility for communities and individuals can bring benefits to society as a whole, so too can greater responsibility and independence for our nation.
That is why we launched the National Conversation - to have a full and open debate about Scotland's place in the world, to look at all the issues that are important to the people of Scotland and to discuss the best options for Scotland's future. Ten years into devolution is a good time to be reflecting on the next part of Scotland's journey and, as we emerge from the economic downturn, it is the right time to decide how we can best build a stronger and more prosperous future.
The economic crisis has sharply exposed the limits of the current devolution settlement. The current framework has constrained our ability to take short-term measures to stabilise the economy through, for example, appropriate tax cuts or significant increases in public investment. It also limits our ability to boost Scotland's long-term competitiveness through, for example, introducing a simpler and more competitive tax regime.
There is now a clear consensus on the urgent need to enhance the taxation, spending and borrowing responsibilities of the Scottish Parliament.
The National Conversation is about empowering people. It is the Scottish people alone, not politicians or parliaments, who will choose the way ahead. The National Conversation is giving the people of Scotland the opportunity to discuss how current arrangements affect Scotland's ability to recover and grow; to tackle poverty and make sure the benefits system works properly; to address health and social inequalities; to make Scotland safer and more secure; to improve public safety through reforms on firearms and drink driving limits; and how we can maximise the rich potential offered by Scotland's natural resources.
These issues and many others are key to the National Conversation and, as we hear the views of the people of Scotland, we will then set out the new partnership we propose with independence, in a White Paper to be published on St Andrew's Day 2009.
This is the essence of our approach - open and inclusive and based on the highest ambition for our country's future. Our aim is to remain a competent and effective government, responding quickly to new challenges and opportunities, standing up for Scotland when it matters and remaining firmly rooted in key principles of partnership, equality and social justice.
It is an approach that will continue to guide us as we work to make Scotland the more successful country we know it can be.