Nicola Sturgeon Announces Legislation For "All Of Scotland"

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has announced that 12 bills will be brought before Holyrood in the coming year in a package of legislation that is for "all of Scotland''. The new SNP leader promised a `"radical programme'' of reform so that Scotland's land can be "an asset that benefits the many, not the few''. An independent commission will be set up to examine fairer alternatives to the council tax while legislation is to be brought in to prevent people being pursued for old poll tax debts. Another bill will aim to make university governing bodies more open,accountable and democratic, with Ms Sturgeon announcing the "challenging'' target of increasing the number of students from poorer backgrounds in higher education, saying at least 20% of university entrants should come from the most deprived 20% of the population. She pledged more cash for the health service, with an additional 5 million pounds of cash to tackle the problem of bed blocking - when patients' discharge is delayed while they wait for care services to be put in place - with cash from local health boards and councils taking this to 15 million. At the same time, the new First Minister, who succeeded Alex Salmond as the head of the Scottish Government last week, also vowed the budget for the day-to-day running of the NHS would increase by above inflation for the rest of this parliament and the next if the SNP is returned to power in the 2016 Scottish elections. A Carers' Bill will aim to increase support for those looking after relatives or loved ones, but will also help ensure they are involved in the planning and delivery of the services they use. Action to reduce the availability of tobacco and e-cigarettes will be included in a Public Health Bill while the Scottish Government will also consult on creating a specific offence of domestic abuse, as well as the possibility of legislation to tackle "revenge porn'', which can see intimate photos posted online without the consent of those pictured. She also pledged a Human Trafficking and Exploitation Bill to clarify the rights of victims and strengthen the ability of the authorities to help them and bring offenders to justice. Ms Sturgeon said: "Today I am giving an indication of how the Government Ilead intends to carry itself in a way that is open, listening, accessible and decentralising. "A government with the strongest focus on growing our economy, protecting public services and empowering our communities. "These plans aim to build a sense of shared endeavour about how we create a wealthier and more equal society. It is founded on three key priorities - participation, prosperity and fairness.'' After being elected into the role last week, Ms Sturgeon promised to be a "First Minister for all of Scotland''.