Priorities for Scotland's next government

WithYou's priorities 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 Thurso.

This document 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 12 times higher in Scotland's most deprived communities. Alcohol deaths are 4.5 times higher. These inequalities won't be solved by treatment alone. The next government must invest in prevention, addressing poverty, trauma and exclusion before they drive harmful use.

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.

Click on the image below to read our priorities in detail.