The Well-being of Future Generations (Wales) Act 2015 is a very interesting bit of legislation. It requires the impact of a wide range of decisions on the wellbeing of future generations to be assessed and to be taken into account in the decision making process. Of course this should not be required in an ideal world but what a great idea to manage the real world!
As is says on the Welsh Government website
The Act will make the public bodies listed in the Act think more about the long term, work better with people and communities and each other, look to prevent problems and take a more joined-up approach.
This new law will mean that, for the first time, public bodies listed in the Act must do what they do in a sustainable way.
Public bodies need to make sure that when making their decisions they take into account the impact they could have on people living their lives in Wales in the future.
It will expect them to:
- work together better
- involve people reflecting the diversity of our communities
- look to the long term as well as focusing on now
- take action to try and stop problems getting worse – or even stop them happening in the first place.
Nanny state or one to follow? Certainly one to watch with interest.
Title quote from http://gov.wales/newsroom/environmentandcountryside/2015/150429-future-generations-act/?lang=en