Meeting of the Parliament 02 June 2026 [Draft]
The Scottish Government supports a fair economy and recognises that, already, not all goods and services in the economy operate on an unregulated free market price basis. Prices are often regulated to affect wider externalities, such as societal or environmental harms, or to ensure a fair market price for industries or sectors with natural monopolies.
Scotland faces a cost of living crisis that is disproportionately affecting vulnerable households and placing pressures on public services. Rising energy, food and housing costs have made it harder for people to maintain a reasonable standard of living. As a result, the Scottish Government is clear that it will take action, when necessary, to protect people and support those who are most impacted by the cost of living.