Well-being of Future Generations Act

Definition

The Well-being of Future Generations Act is a piece of legislation in Wales that aims to improve the social, economic, environmental, and cultural well-being of both current and future generations. It places a legal duty on public bodies to consider the long-term impacts of their decisions and work towards sustainable development, fostering a collaborative approach between local and central government for a better future.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Well-being of Future Generations Act was enacted in 2015 and is designed to integrate long-term thinking into public policy decisions.
2. It established seven well-being goals that public bodies must aim to achieve, including a more prosperous, resilient, healthier, and equal Wales.
3. The Act emphasizes the importance of collaboration between public bodies, local authorities, and communities to ensure that future generations inherit a sustainable environment.
4. Public bodies are required to produce well-being plans that outline how they will contribute to achieving the well-being goals and engage with citizens in the process.
5. The Act also introduced the role of Future Generations Commissioner, an independent advocate for future generations to ensure that their interests are considered in decision-making.

Review Questions

• How does the Well-being of Future Generations Act influence decision-making among public bodies?
  • The Well-being of Future Generations Act influences decision-making by requiring public bodies to consider the long-term consequences of their actions. This includes assessing how policies impact not just present needs but also those of future generations. By embedding sustainability into their operations and requiring collaboration with other entities, the Act ensures that decisions are made with a broader perspective on social, economic, environmental, and cultural well-being.
• Discuss the significance of the seven well-being goals established by the Well-being of Future Generations Act for local governance.
  • The seven well-being goals outlined in the Well-being of Future Generations Act are crucial for local governance as they provide a framework for aligning local priorities with long-term sustainability. These goals encourage local authorities to adopt a holistic approach to service delivery, ensuring that initiatives promote prosperity, equality, and resilience within communities. The goals also facilitate collaboration among various public bodies and stakeholders, fostering a unified effort towards achieving common objectives that benefit both current residents and future generations.
• Evaluate the potential challenges faced by local governments in implementing the Well-being of Future Generations Act effectively.
  • Local governments may face several challenges when implementing the Well-being of Future Generations Act effectively. These include resource constraints, as many local authorities struggle with budget limitations while trying to meet increased demands for services. Additionally, balancing immediate community needs with long-term sustainability goals can create tensions in prioritizing projects. Finally, engaging citizens in meaningful participation can be difficult; it requires effective communication strategies and trust-building efforts to ensure that communities feel invested in the decision-making process regarding their future well-being.

Related terms

Sustainable Development: A development approach that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.

Public Bodies: Organizations that are created by statute or government, responsible for delivering services and making decisions in the public interest.

Local Government: The administration of a specific local area, responsible for providing local services and facilities to its residents.