9. Short Debate: The Well-being of Future Generations (Wales) Act 2015: Envy of the world?

Part of the debate – in the Senedd at 6:34 pm on 8 December 2021.

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Photo of Mabon ap Gwynfor Mabon ap Gwynfor Plaid Cymru 6:34, 8 December 2021

(Translated)

Thank you very much, Rhys, for bringing this debate forward. This legislation is held up as being very bold, that breaks new ground, and, to a certain extent, that is quite correct. If I could start by recognising the success of the legislation. When I was a county councillor, the council did have to include an impact assessment as a result of the future generations Bill, and that in itself is a positive development; it's another issue as to how officials came to those conclusions. Some of them were very doubtful, to say the least, but at least consideration was given to future generations on paper. But my concern is that, although the ideas are good on paper, that it's not possible to implement them properly, as Rhys has explained very well.

Consider the housing crisis—there are campaigners who have sought legal advice on the housing crisis and the failure of people to access the housing market in their communities, to buy or rent. They sought legal advice, and the advice was that this legislation was aspirational but didn't have teeth, and, therefore, there was no purpose in using it in a court of law. So, although the legislation makes us feel warm inside, and it looks good, the action is letting us down. I would like to hear from the Minister, therefore, what real impact she thinks this legislation has had and how our communities can benefit from this legislation. Thank you very much.