Charis Chittick on WEAll Scotland’s manifesto
As we approach the 2026 Scottish Parliament election, I must admit I’m feeling tired. Tired of fighting a system that feels like it is stacked against us. Tired of short term policy decisions and sticking plaster solutions that simply aren’t working.
I know I’m not alone. It is devastating that a quarter of children in Scotland are growing up in poverty. And it’s no wonder that so many people feel overlooked and ignored by politicians.
For too many of us the economy isn’t working and we’re left on shaky ground. As we head towards another winter, too many of us are struggling to pay our bills, heat our homes or even buy enough to eat.
This stark reality calls for forward thinking: it’s time to invest in a better future by getting today’s decisions right.
At the Wellbeing Economy Alliance Scotland (WEAll Scotland), we know it’s possible to change the rules of our economy so it delivers good lives for all on a healthy planet. To create a Scotland where everyone has enough to live in dignity. A Scotland where our beautiful natural environment is restored and protected for future generations.
Over the last few months, we have been working with our members to co-create our Manifesto for a Wellbeing Economy. We believe there is power in coming together. By sharing our collective expertise and experiences we’ve created a manifesto that has breadth and depth. A manifesto for an economy that works for the people of Scotland.
People across Scotland are calling for change, for an economy that is anchored in the five needs of a wellbeing economy: dignity, fairness, nature, purpose and participation.
Our Manifesto for a Wellbeing Economy uses these five wellbeing economy needs as a framework. We have five key policy asks that we are calling on all political parties to commit to:
- Rolling out a Minimum Income Guarantee that ensures all of us will have the right to an income that never falls below what we need to live with dignity.
- Enshrining an enforceable human right to a healthy natural environment in Scottish legislation.
- Scaling up support for community wealth building and inclusive and democratic business models.
- Creating a new economic strategy for Scotland that is aligned with the Wellbeing Economy and guided by a citizen’s assembly.
- Investing in multi-purpose spaces in every community in Scotland through a program that is controlled and directed by local communities.
The next parliamentary term is an opportunity for politicians to rebuild trust. To act on the issues that matter most to the people of Scotland and create a better future for all of us.
Our manifesto isn’t a comprehensive list of all the actions we need to deliver a wellbeing economy in Scotland. It is a plan for action and a blueprint for change. By changing the rules of our economy and using bold, achievable and transformative policies, we can build a Scotland that puts people and planet first.
Charis Chittick is Campaigns and Communications Lead at WEAll Scotland
