Overview

The Wellbeing of Future Generations Bill aims to ensure that the needs of present and future generations are met in the UK. It establishes a Future Generations Commissioner, a Joint Parliamentary Committee, and introduces a wellbeing duty on public bodies and companies, requiring them to consider long-term impacts on environmental, social, economic, and cultural wellbeing.

Description

This bill mandates that all UK public bodies (excluding Parliament) implement sustainable development, incorporating a “future generations principle” – balancing short-term needs without compromising future generations' ability to meet their needs. Public bodies must:

• Set and publish wellbeing objectives aligned with national wellbeing goals determined through public consultation and a Citizens’ Assembly.
• Conduct future generations impact assessments for policy and spending changes.
• Report annually on their progress toward objectives, including preventative spending.

The bill establishes a Future Generations Commissioner for the UK to monitor and report on public bodies' compliance, conduct reviews, and issue recommendations. A Joint Parliamentary Committee will oversee long-term policy and the Commissioner’s work. Additionally, specified companies must explain in their directors’ reports how their activities affect wellbeing goals.

The Public Services (Social Value Act) 2012 is extended to incorporate cultural wellbeing and cover all services, goods, and works contracts, requiring authorities to consider wellbeing goals in procurement.

Government Spending

The bill will introduce new costs associated with the establishment and operation of the Future Generations Commissioner's office, the Joint Parliamentary Committee, and the public consultation and Citizens' Assembly. It also requires additional reporting and assessment by public bodies, potentially incurring some administrative costs. Specific figures for these costs are not provided in the bill text.

Groups Affected

• Public bodies: Required to implement the wellbeing duty, conduct impact assessments, and report annually; potential for increased administrative burdens and legal challenges.
• Specified companies: Must include a wellbeing impact statement in their directors' reports; smaller companies may face significant additional reporting burdens.
• Future Generations: The bill directly aims to benefit future generations by ensuring long-term sustainability and responsible decision-making.
• The Public: Will be involved in the consultation process to establish the wellbeing goals and potentially serve on the Citizens’ Assembly.
• The Comptroller and Auditor General: Will have a role in examining public body compliance with the future generations principle.
• The Future Generations Commissioner: Will be responsible for monitoring and enforcing the act's provisions.
• The Joint Committee on Future Generations: Will provide parliamentary oversight of the process.

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