The Future Generations Commissioner for Wales has welcomed the publication of a report by the Senedd's Equality and Social Justice Committee following its post-legislative scrutiny of the Well-being of Future Generations (Wales) Act 2015.
The cross-party committee, which includes representatives from the Welsh Liberal Democrats, Plaid Cymru, Welsh Labour and the Welsh Conservatives, examined how the landmark legislation is being implemented and how it could be strengthened for the future.
Evidence for the Senedd inquiry was submitted by a wide range of organisations and stakeholders from across Welsh public, private and voluntary sectors.
The Well-being of Future Generations Act was informed by a national conversation held in 2014. More than 5,000 people took part in “The Wales We Want” national dialogue, helping shape the ambitions behind legislation designed to improve the social, environmental, economic and cultural well-being of Wales.
The Committee’s report follows the publication of the Future Generations Report 2025 by the Future Generations Commissioner, a five-year assessment of the progress public bodies are making towards Wales’ national well-being goals to strengthen action on environment and the economy, and address health inequalities and the culture crisis.
Derek Walker, Future Generations Commissioner for Wales, said:
“Today’s cross-party report from the Senedd’s Social Justice Committee is an important moment for the future of the Well-being of Future Generations Act. It is encouraging to see politicians from across parties recognising both the progress the Act has helped to drive and the need to strengthen it for the years ahead.
“I am particularly pleased to see the Committee echo several of the recommendations I set out in my Future Generations Report last year, including the need for a formal review of the legislation and a renewed effort to involve communities across Wales in shaping its future.
“If the Act is to remain relevant and capable of meeting the challenges Wales faces, it must continue to evolve and be backed by the legal strength required to deliver real change.
“I also welcome the Committee’s recognition of the value for money provided by my office in supporting public bodies across Wales to turn the Act’s ambitions into practical change for people and communities – embedding long-term thinking, prevention and collaboration into how decisions are made across Wales.
“The Act has already influenced major decisions from transport and education to community-led initiatives across the country. But this report presents an opportunity to look forward. There is much more we can achieve together to improve the long-term well-being of people in Wales and ensure that the needs of future generations are at the heart of today’s decisions.
“That is why it will be crucial for the people of Wales to be involved in shaping the next chapter of this legislation. Just as thousands helped mould the Act more than a decade ago, I want to see communities across the country come together to help inform how it evolves for the future.”
“I look forward to working with Members of the Senedd from all parties, the Welsh Government and partners across Wales to take forward the Committee’s recommendations and continue strengthening this world-leading legislation.”
The Commissioner has also called for the Senedd to establish a Committee for the Future, and for the people of Wales to be actively involved in shaping the next phase of the legislation as part of its review.
The Commissioner set out 50 recommendations in his Future Generations Report 2025.
