Well-being of Future Generations (Wales) Act 2015

The Well-being of Future Generations (Wales) Act 2015 is a key piece of legislation for Wales, which seeks to improve the social, economic, environmental and cultural well-being of Wales. The actions arising from the Act will see a number of public bodies, such as Natural Resources Wales, Local Health Boards, Local Authorities and Public Health Wales working together, and with the wider community, to think more about the long-term and look to prevent problems. This will help to create a Wales that we all want to live in, now and in the future.

In short, the public bodies listed within the legislation must act in a manner which seeks to ensure that the needs of the present are met without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.

Public bodies listed within the legislation must act in a manner which seeks to ensure that the needs of the present are met without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.

Wellbeing Goals here are seven well-being goals, which provide a shared vision for public bodies to work towards. These goals are illustrated in the form a jigsaw, emphasising their integration.

The seven well-being goals are:

• A prosperous Wales
• A resilient Wales
• A healthier Wales
• A more equal Wales
• A Wales of cohesive communities
• A Wales of vibrant culture and thriving Welsh language
• A globally responsible Wales. 

Sustainable Development Principle

Alongside these Well-being Goals is the ‘Sustainable Development Principle’, highlighting how the goals and actions arising from the Act will be delivered.  The five aspects that make up the Sustainable Development Principle are:

• Long-term thinking
• Prevention
• Integration
• Collaboration
• Involvement

National Indicators

To measure progress against the seven well-being goals, a range of national indicators have been identified.