Salmond crosses new Forth bridge issue in latest plans

THE Scottish Government today pledged to deliver the new Forth road bridge on time and on budget as it revealed its programme of legislation for the coming year.

A bill paving the way for the new bridge – priced at between £1.8 billion and £2.2bn and due for completion by 2016 – was among the package of 13 proposed laws unveiled by First Minister Alex Salmond in the Scottish Parliament.

Other bills will include proposals to tackle alcohol misuse, and the right-to-buy for all new social housing, and set the framework for a referendum on independence.

A spokesman for Mr Salmond said the Forth Replacement Crossing Bill underlined its commitment to building the new bridge on time and on budget.

However, it is a largely technical piece of legislation and will not address the controversial issue of how the bridge is to be funded.

Mr Salmond told MSPs: "The Forth Crossing Bill will enable us to deliver a once-in-a-generation infrastructure project that is crucial to our economic future."

The Alcohol Bill, which will propose a system of minimum pricing for drinks, is likely to be one of the most controversial pieces of legislation in the package.

The Referendum Bill to allow a vote on independence is almost certain to be blocked by the opposition parties.

The First Minister said economic recovery was at heart of the legislative plans.

He said: "We are determined to support jobs and communities across Scotland in these tough economic times, building on our strong record of delivering for the people of Scotland."

He claimed a £500m cut in the Scottish Budget by the UK government next year would make circumstances "more trying" but added: "None of this diminishes our determination or ambition."

He continued: "Our plans will see us make sure opportunity is shared throughout society and in all corners of our nation so that no one, and no part of the country, is left behind.

"Social housing provides a secure and sustainable alternative to home ownership for 600,000 households in Scotland. Our Housing Bill will safeguard that housing for future generations by ending the right-to-buy for all new-supply social housing.

"Alcohol misuse costs Scotland £2.25bn a year in extra services and lost productivity – nearly one-tenth of Scotland's annual budget. A Bill to tackle alcohol misuse will introduce innovative measures, with a minimum pricing policy at its cornerstone."

Other measures will propose reform of children's hearings, help for people facing repossession and legally enforceable rights for patients.

Mr Salmond insisted the SNP's aim of independence for Scotland had "never been more urgent or relevant".

He said: "We have trust in the people of Scotland's desire for a more modern partnership with the other nations on these isles. We believe in giving the people that choice in a referendum."