Date of Programme for Government 2025-26: FOI release

Information requested

You asked for information on the Programme for Government with the following 4 questions:

1. When was the decision taken to bring forward the Programme for Government 2025-26 to 6th May 2025?

2. When was the Cabinet informed of the above decision?

3. Dates and minutes of all meetings at which the date of the Programme for Government 2025-26 was discussed.

4. Any written correspondence received by the First Minister or the Scottish Government from external sources asking for the Programme for Government 2025-26 to be brought forward to 6th May 2025.

Response

I enclose a copy of most of the information you requested in the format you asked for.

The answer to your first question is Thursday 13 March.

The answer to your second question is Wednesday 19 March.

The answer to your third question is provided in the following extracts from minutes and confirms the dates:

Meeting with the First Minister – 27.02.25

Attendees: FM, FMPO, Communications, FMPU, and Special Advisers

PfG discussion

•  The First Minister raised the possibility of bringing publication of PfG forward (to May, from its standard September date).
• This would be in recognition of the global economic headwinds emerging and in turn the impacts this was having on individuals, business, and public services.
• Early development of PfG should be seen as recognising and responding to these immediate issues. 
• ACTION: Officials to consider this and internal planning requirements ahead of a further discussion.

Meeting with the First Minister – 13.03.25

Attendees: FM, FMPO, Communications, FMPU, and Special Advisers

PfG discussion

• Officials set out further options and advice for the development and publication of PfG, including proposed timescales and process for an earlier PfG.
• Following discussion, the First Minister decided to proceed with a May date – based on the need to ensure a clear delivery plan and government focus to respond to the changing global and domestic context.
• ACTION: FMPU to develop a complete timeline and process for May publication.

The answer to your fourth question is there were none.

About FOI

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