6. Will the Deputy Minister make a statement on how the Well-being of Future Generations (Wales) Act 2015 is improving the lives of people in Wales? OAQ53878

The Act is improving people’s lives by providing a uniquely Welsh way of tackling the long-term challenges we face. It ensures public bodies focus on preventing problems occurring and working in a collaborative and integrated way, involving people who reflect the diversity of our nation.  

Thank you, Deputy Minister. Yesterday, we learnt that carbon dioxide levels in our atmosphere have reached 415 ppm for the first time in human history—not recorded history; levels haven't been this high since before humans roamed the plains millions of years ago. Unless we take drastic action, future generations will be left with toxic oceans and a dying planet. You seemed at odds with the view of the custodian of the well-being of future generations Act, the commissioner, on the M4 relief road. So, do you believe that your Government is truly committed to the Act and protecting Wales for future generations?

I think the well-being of future generations Act, as I said, is a unique way, a Welsh way, of tackling long-term challenges. You've mentioned long-term challenges. I think the fact that the Welsh Government was prepared to actually declare a climate emergency—I think probably the first Government that declared a climate emergency—following on only weeks after the publication of a plan, the low-carbon plan for Wales, with 100 actions and priorities that the Minister has not only committed to but is now reviewing and looking at in terms of the opportunities that lie ahead in tackling climate change—. I think what is important in terms of the future generations commissioner and the way that we work together is that we can see the impact that this has had. For example, the revised national planning policy has been reframed, using the Act, and puts placemaking at the heart of the planning system, ensuring that people's well-being is considered as part of the planning process.

As you'll be aware, the Well-being of Future Generations (Wales) Act 2015 lists well-being goals, including a healthier Wales. It is my understanding that such goals could be taken into consideration by public authorities, including councils across Wales and the Welsh Government when considering applications to dedicate particular footpaths. Will you, therefore, confirm that there is a duty on planning authorities to take into account the healthier Wales goal when considering the dedication of a highway?

Local authorities have to take into account the well-being objectives of the future generations Wales Act and consider the long-term impact of decisions that they make, and, of course, that includes all developments. I think what's very important, Janet Finch-Saunders, is that I have mentioned the fact that the national planning policy, which is crucial to these issues, has been reframed using the Act.

Thank you, Deputy Minister.