Priorities for Scotland's next government

WithYou's manifesto for the Scottish Parliament elections 2026

Scotland's next government faces critical decisions on drugs and alcohol. The National Mission ends in March 2026. What comes next will determine whether Scotland builds on the progress made.

WithYou supports more than 14,000 people across Scotland who are facing challenges with drugs and alcohol. Last year, our teams held over 63,000 appointments in communities from Stranraer to Highland.

This manifesto sets out six priorities for the next Scottish Government. They're based on evidence, frontline experience, and what the people we support have told us matters most.

Our six priorities:

1. Agree on a long-term plan beyond the National Mission

2. Put people first by embedding rights and tackling stigma

3. Expand harm reduction to save more lives

4. Ensure services are accessible and consistently available

5. Deliver a dedicated alcohol strategy for Scotland

6. Establish clear outcomes and accountability across all services

Drug deaths are up to 11 times higher in Scotland's most deprived communities. Alcohol deaths are 4.5 times higher. With elections in May, every party must commit to evidence-based policy, sustained investment, and the courage to close the gap between policy and practice.