Overview

The Wellbeing of Future Generations (No. 2) Bill aims to embed consideration of the long-term wellbeing of the UK population into government and public body decision-making. It proposes a national conversation to define wellbeing goals, mandates future generations impact assessments for policy changes, and establishes a commission to oversee progress and promote good practice.

Description

This bill introduces several key measures:

• National Wellbeing Goals: A public consultation ("national conversation") will establish national wellbeing goals encompassing environmental, social, economic, and cultural aspects. These goals will be reviewed every five years.
• Wellbeing Duty on Public Bodies: Public bodies will be required to set and meet "wellbeing objectives" contributing to the national goals. They must publish future generations impact assessments for policy changes and account for preventative spending.
• Futures and Forecasting Report: The Secretary of State will publish a report on long-term trends, risks (including those affecting future generations), and plans to address them.
• Future Generations Commission: A new commission will monitor public body performance, provide advice, conduct reviews, and investigate non-compliance. It will have a citizens' panel to advise it.
• Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) Extension: The OBR’s remit will be extended to incorporate long-term risk accounting, particularly considering the needs of future generations and the achievement of national indicators.
• Joint Committee on Future Generations: A new joint parliamentary committee will scrutinize legislation, conduct inquiries, and advise on long-term policy-making.
• Ministers for Future Generations: Existing Ministers in each government department will have added duties to promote the future generations principle in policy formulation.

Government Spending

The bill will lead to increased government spending on the establishment and operation of the Future Generations Commission, the Joint Committee, and related administrative costs. Specific figures are not provided in the bill text.

Groups Affected

• Government Departments: Required to set wellbeing objectives, publish reports, and incorporate long-term considerations into policy.
• Public Bodies: Subject to new duties, including setting wellbeing objectives, conducting impact assessments, and reporting on preventative spending. They are also subject to review and potential legal action for non-compliance.
• Office for Budget Responsibility: Its remit will be expanded to incorporate future generations' needs into its work.
• Parliament: A new Joint Committee will be created to scrutinize long-term policy.
• The Public: Will be involved through a national conversation to shape wellbeing goals and may participate in the Citizens' Panel.
• Future Generations: The bill is intended to benefit them by ensuring their needs are considered in current decision-making.

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