This briefing summarises the key points in the Scottish National Party’s (SNP) manifesto, published on 16 April 2026, relevant to the work of actuaries. The Institute for Fiscal Studies have published their initial reaction to the SNP’s manifesto.
SNP Leader John Swinney MSP launched his party’s manifesto “On Scotland’s Side” at an event in Glasgow. In his speech, he promised “action on the climate, “a determination to eradicate child poverty” and an “unrivalled cost of living package”. The manifesto puts forward proposals to cap the price of food essentials like bread, milk and eggs, the creation of a new housing agency, and simplification of the income tax system.
Economy
- Ensure a majority of Scots pay less income tax than they would elsewhere in the UK, with no increases to bands or rates.
- Introduce the ‘mansion tax’ on properties over £1 million and £2 million from 2028. (NB This was announced in the January 2026 budget and does not represent new policy).
- Increase Scottish Child Payment to £40 for those most in need.
- Price cap on essential supermarket items, such as bread, milk and eggs.
Health and social care
- Cut waiting lists and spend £200m a year on increasing the number of operations.
- Expand a network of walk-in GP practices to end the "8am rush" for appointments.
- "One stop shops" in villages, pharmacies, sports clubs and workplaces across for lung and heart health "MOTs".
- At least £10bn in capital spending, to fund new buildings and equipment.
Education and skills
- "Welcome to school" bags for all primary one pupils, including books, stationery and water bottles.
- Increase the number of apprenticeships to 150,000 over the next Parliament. This will include expanding the number of graduate apprenticeships to over 8,000 over the course of the Parliament and the introduction of an Apprenticeship Accelerator Grant for businesses, backed by the Apprenticeship Levy.
Transport and infrastructure
- Unlock £20bn of investible pension fund assets to be used to support a large-scale programme of high quality affordable social housing.
- Help for first-time buyers with up to £10,000 through an equity loan towards a deposit.
- Establish a new housing agency.
- A Private Jet Tax and explore the possibility of taxing "ghost" flights from private jets
Energy and environment
- Reach net-zero carbon emissions by 2045.
- Create a ScotWind Wealth Fund to provide energy and financial security for future generations.
- Formally request the transfer of energy powers from Westminster to Holyrood.
- Allocate £15 million for flood mitigation and prevention.
Government
- Scottish Independence is the focus of the first chapter of the SNP’s manifesto and argues that if they secure a majority, it will have a mandate for a referendum on independence.
