The SNP today welcomed the policy ideas put forward by the voluntary sector for Scotland’s election in May 2011.

SNP Depute Leader Nicola Sturgeon, who took part in a policy debate with SCVO at the end of last year said there were many positive ideas in the manifesto that already had support from the SNP.

Ms Sturgeon said: “Scotland’s voluntary sector plays a huge part in our communities, our economy and our public services and SCVO have come up with some innovative ideas to help everyone respond to the challenges ahead and to tackle the problems we currently face.

“There are some strong ideas for Scotland’s future in this manifesto such as extending community ownership to support urban regeneration and community services, finding ways for communities to benefit from our renewables revolution and developing social impact bonds – a policy already promoted in the SNP’s consultation on bepartofbetter.net.

“As we head towards Scotland’s election in May it is important we all work together to make Scotland better and I welcome SCVO’s contribution to that debate.”