Scottish Greens pledge to introduce repair voucher scheme

The Scottish Greens have pledged to introduce a repair voucher scheme which they said would put money “back into people’s pockets”.

The scheme would allow people to get a discount on repairing household goods at participating manufacturers and retailers.

The party’s scheme would include a requirement on some product manufacturers to take back used products, such as mattresses and textiles at the end of their life.

Party co-leader Gillian Mackay said: “If we’re serious about tackling the cost-of-living crisis and the climate crisis, then we have to make it cheaper and easier for people to do the right thing.

“Our repair voucher scheme will make it cheaper to repair the things we already own rather than buying them again as new.

“It is a simple and straightforward way of putting money back into people’s pockets.”

In 2025 the UK’s first repair voucher scheme pilot was launched in north London by a coalition of charities and waste management groups.

This allowed local residents to get up to 50% off the cost of repairs at participating businesses.

Similar schemes have been launched in European countries, including Austria, France and Germany.

Ms Mackay continued: “By covering part of the cost of fixing everyday items, we can help households to stretch their budgets and avoid unnecessary big purchases.

“The benefits are wider, as it will also help us to cut waste while supporting local repair businesses. It’s a win for households struggling with the cost of living, and a win for the small businesses rooted in our communities.

“These kinds of schemes are already common across Europe and are already helping to support people through the cost of living crisis while reducing waste and protecting our planet. It’s time to do the same in Scotland.”