The Well-being of Future Generations (Wales) Act 2015

Part of 3. Topical Questions – in the Senedd at 3:51 pm on 15 May 2019.

Alert me about debates like this

Photo of Jane Hutt Jane Hutt Labour 3:51, 15 May 2019

I'm very grateful to Mick Antoniw, the former Counsel General and esteemed lawyer, and I'm glad it was you as the Member who responded and put the record straight in terms of the impact of this legal judgment. As I said, it's an interpretation of the law and interpretation of the law is a matter for the courts. And, again, I don't wish to return to this, but Members can read that judgment that was made and see for themselves how that judgment was made and the justification. But I think it's very important also to say that we must ensure that we see what the impact of this legislation is. 

And let's just look at some of those duties of the commissioner. The Act gives the commissioner the power to conduct a review into how public bodies are safeguarding the ability of future generations to meet their needs and make recommendations. The commissioner can intervene, review and, indeed, as she has done, make comments on policy matters. She's done that formally in terms of planning policy, the economic contract, Transport for Wales, the Valleys regional park and also in terms of housing—she herself has engaged in the development of the affordable housing supply review panel, looking at ways in which they can consider the important issues in terms of future housing needs for future generations. But I am grateful to the Member for making those points. Let's focus on this legislation, on the pioneering role that the first independent future generations commissioner is undertaking, and I'm very pleased that we have got the opportunity today to put the record straight on these issues.