Purpose

This is the call for views response to the
Scottish Parliament Call for Views on the Wellbeing and Sustainable
Development (Scotland) Bill by the the Social Justice and Social
Security Committee. This Committee is seeking views on a Bill which
will promote consideration by public bodies of sustainable
development and the wellbeing of future generations.

Content

Officers to include the below as feedback.
 
We welcome the opportunity to
give feedback into the development of this bill.
 
It is important to begin by
defining terms. At all times we hope consultation and documents use
these definitions based on the Brundtland Commission. "Sustainable
development is development that meets the needs of the present
without compromising the ability of future generations to meet
their own needs." If any one part of a proposal is not financially,
socially or environmentally sustainable it would fail to be
sustainable development.
 
Whilst the areas of activity
within the bill are relevant and strategic in terms of a holistic
approach to developments, we consider much of what is outlined to
be a potential duplication of work. The principles of sustainable
development are well enshrined and understood throughout
legislation including NPF4, climate policies,
transport/accessibility and place, and wellbeing is similarly
covered in the number of assessments we undertake as part of any
decisions on policy or service delivery from setting budgets to
operational decisions.   
 
It is felt that the terms
defined are already well understood and referenced in other
legislation. In our view there are no additional duties/requirement
to consider as we are already required to do this through NPF4 and
other legislation.