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SECTION 8 - YOUR VIEWS
Our new approach to government includes a commitment to a continuing dialogue with the people of Scotland. That means hearing what people from across the country have to say about the issues which matter to them most.
We have, therefore gone beyond the kind of consultation and engagement work developed under previous governments. Our aim is to get out and about around Scotland to talk face to face with people in all parts of the country, particularly outside the central belt.
This public engagement activity reflects the founding principles of the Scottish Parliament - openness, accountability and a participative approach to the development of policy - as well as our partnership approach to government. It has complemented continued use of tried and tested consultation techniques and our innovative work in taking forward a genuine National Conversation on options for Scotland's constitutional future - a project which is, of course, the central public engagement commitment of this Government on the central issue for our country.
Over the summer, the Scottish Cabinet has met in Dumfries, Inverness, Pitlochry and Skye. We have used these occasions to give local people and local communities the opportunity to question members of the Cabinet face to face on the issues that concern them. These have included:
- The impact of higher household energy, food and fuel bills on Scottish families;
- The economic potential of Scotland harnessing its abundant natural resource in wave and wind to become more self-sufficient and to maximise commercial advantage;
- The impact of high fuel prices on hauliers and the fishing industry;
- The need for improved transport links;
- The potential for Homecoming 2009 to mitigate the impact of the economic downturn on tourism in Scotland; and
- The need to increase the availability of social housing in Scotland.
During the coming year, we want to continue in that spirit, hearing people's views and doing this in more participative ways. We plan to take forward a number of significant consultations and other forms of dialogue and engagement on a wide range of issues, such as:
- Student support;
- The next generation of National Qualifications;
- A radical range of measures to reduce alcohol-related harm;
- Proposals for a Patients' Rights Bill;
- Reforms to the jury system;
- The next stage of developing the Food and Drink Policy;
- Issues connected to the Forth Replacement Crossing Project; and
- Revisions to waste regulations.
This document sets all these elements in the context of our new approach to government and the shared agenda we are building to move Scotland forward.
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