Submission from Carnegie UK backing Wellbeing and Sustainable Development Bill

Over the last decade, Scotland has emerged as a leader in the international wellbeing movement. But despite a shift in rhetoric, this has not translated into decision-making that relentlessly focuses on improving the lives of current and future generations,

Carnegie UK believes that the proposed Wellbeing and Sustainable Development Bill could help bridge this gap.

The Bill would allow the Scottish Government to provide a clear vision and guidance for public bodies to put wellbeing at the centre of decision-making.

It would also strengthen accountability by establishing a commissioner for future generations. This new institution would ensure that there is always a voice advocating for the wellbeing of the people of the future. We believe this change is especially important as Scotland looks to play its part in tackling the climate crisis and other intergenerational issues.

The Bill presents Scotland with a valuable opportunity to learn from the successful experience of a Future Generations Act and Commissioner in Wales. Carnegie UK believes that this could be used to develop world-leading legislation that gives Government and public bodies the tools to put the wellbeing of citizens, now and in the future, at the heart of their decisions.