Decision Maker: Infrastructure Services Committee

Outcome: Approve

Is Key Decision?: No

Is Callable In?: No

Date of Decision: August 21, 2025

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.