Scottish Budget 2024 to 2025: equality and fairer Scotland statement

Transport, Net Zero and Just Transition

Budget Purpose

To make sure that Scotland’s economy achieves net zero carbon emissions; to protect and enhance our environment, natural resources and transport infrastructure; and to support public transport, roads, accessible transport and active travel and lead on strategic infrastructure planning.

Primary national outcomes:

• Communities
• Economy
• Environment
• International

Key human rights:

• Right to an adequate standard of living
• Right to a healthy environment
• Right to the enjoyment of the highest attainable standard of physical and mental health

Summary of how our budget impacts on equality and Fairer Scotland

The work of the portfolio aims to make our public transport system more accessible, available, and affordable, with the costs of transport more fairly shared across government, business and society. Public transport services are important for and used more frequently by particular groups of people. Women, older people, younger people and those on lower incomes use bus services more.

Equality Impact assessments and Fairer Scotland Duty Impact Assessments on commitments in the portfolio highlight the potential benefits to protected groups.

Adapting to the challenge of climate change can have a disproportionate impact on equalities groups and those who are most vulnerable both through the actions taken to achieve Net Zero by 2045, and impacts being felt as a result of climate induced change. The Just Transition Planning Framework sets out our approach to ensuring existing inequalities are tackled as we develop the plans referenced in the ‘Programme for Government’. Co-design and engagement with vulnerable communities is integral to that process.

Domestic energy costs and fuel poverty are also likely to disproportionately affect those on lower incomes and particular groups such as disabled people, older people, and lone parents. The Heat in Buildings Bill will drive the decarbonisation of heat and boost the energy efficiency of Scotland’s homes and buildings, helping to address these inequalities.