An Act of the National Assembly for Wales to make provision requiring public bodies to do things in pursuit of the economic, social, environmental and cultural well-being of Wales in a way that accords with the sustainable development principle; to require public bodies to report on such action; to establish a Commissioner for Future Generations to advise and assist public bodies in doing things in accordance with this Act; to establish public services boards in local authority areas; to make provision requiring those boards to plan and take action in pursuit of economic, social, environmental and cultural well-being in their area; and for connected purposes.
The Well-being of Future Generations (Wales) Act 2015 (anaw 2) (Welsh: Deddf Llesiant Cenedlaethau'r Dyfodol (Cymru) 2015) is an Act of the National Assembly for Wales that was given royal assent on 29 April 2015; it came into force in April 2016.[1] It set out seven well-being goals: i) a prosperous Wales, ii) a resilient Wales, iii) a healthier Wales, iv) a more equal Wales, v) a Wales of cohesive communities, vi) a Wales of vibrant culture and thriving Welsh language and vii) a globally responsible Wales. A 'sustainable development principle' comprising five aspects is intended to assist in the delivery of the Act's goals and actions; i) long-term thinking, ii) prevention, iii) integration, iv) collaboration and v) involvement.
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Application
The Act places duties upon the following bodies operating within Wales:
The Act has five main parts and is supported by four schedules:[3]
Part 1: Introduction
Part 2: Improving well-being
Part 3: The Future Generations Commissioner for Wales
Part 4: Public Services Boards
Part 5: Final Provisions
Part 1 Introduction
Part 1 of the Act provides an overview.
Part 2 Improving well-being
This part of the Act sets out well-being objectives for Welsh ministers and a duty on public bodies to pursue them also. It describes how performance towards achieving the goals should be measured and provides guidance.
Part 3 The Future Generations Commissioner for Wales
Part 3 of the Act sets out the role of a Future Generations Commissioner which includes a duty to review and make recommendations and sets up a panel to advise the Commissioner. The first Commissioner was Sophie Howe, appointed in 2016 to be in post until 2023.
Part 4 Public Services Boards
Part 4 of the Act establishes public services boards and places a well-being duty upon them. It describes the preparation and review of local well-being plans.
Part 5 Final Provisions
Part 5 of the Act defines public bodies in the context of the legislation, and sets out regulations and other ancillary matters.
Schedule 1
Annual reports by other public bodies
Schedule 2
The Future Generations Commissioner for Wales
Schedule 3
Public Services Boards: Further provision
Schedule 5
Public Services Boards: Consequential amendments and repeals