SIDA has been calling for new legislation to support people and planet for some time. It’s clear that our current systems aren’t working – we’re seeing rising poverty, widening inequalities and we are exceeding safe environmental limits. It’s time to rethink how decisions are made across Scotland, and ensure that wellbeing and sustainable development are the drivers of policy and practice.
In recent years, it seemed that the Scottish Government were on board with the idea of introducing potentially world leading legislation, which would support joined-up policies that ensure human wellbeing everywhere, and that drive the sustainable evolution of our societies. They conducted a consultation on potential legislation earlier this year which revealed that 67% of respondents thought that a statutory definition of ‘sustainable development’ is required (11% disagreed, 9% didn’t know, 13% didn’t answer). The consultation also revealed the depth of thinking that has taken place by government officials to explore how such a Bill could work within existing Government operations, and how a Future Generations Commissioner could support its implementation.
Many political parties (including the SNP) committed to this legislation in their manifestos for election in 2021, and the Government followed this up with assurances to explore it further in their 2022 and 2023 Programmes for Government. But this year, something has changed. In May we saw ‘Wellbeing’ removed from the Economy Minister’s title, and in the latest Programme for Government there is no reference to a Wellbeing & Sustainable Development Bill, or a Commissioner. The legislation needn’t necessarily have any cost implications, so it seems that the concepts of wellbeing and sustainable development no longer appeal; a new narrative of progress is unwanted; and tackling the nature and climate crisis and contributing to global justice are not sufficient current priorities.
Disappointing as this is, we do have another opportunity to achieve this much needed legislation. Sarah Boyack MSP has secured the right to introduce a Members Bill. Whilst not quite as far ranging as a Government Bill, Sarah’s aims are to place new definitions of sustainable development and wellbeing into legislation; establish a Wellbeing and Sustainable Development Commissioner; and introduce new public definitions and strengthen existing duties.
SIDA urges the Government, and all MSPs, to support Sarah’s Members Bill when it moves through Parliament next year. We will continue to update on our work in this space which makes the case for placing human and ecological wellbeing at the heart of decision making in Scotland.
If you’d like to get involved with SIDA’s efforts to promote the Members Bill please contact louise@intdevalliance.scot.
You might also consider writing to your MSP to seek their support. Find your MSPs here. Some suggested content for your letter or email:
Dear MSP
I am disappointed to see that the Government have backtracked on their manifesto commitment to a Wellbeing & Sustainable Development Bill for Scotland in the latest Programme for Government. Such a Bill would support decision-making that respects planetary boundaries, and ensures that all people, everywhere, can meet their fundamental human needs – now, and in the future. With escalating global crises, the need for long-term thinking which considers future generations around the world is more important than ever. I hope you will consider supporting Sarah Boyack MSPs Members’ Bill on Wellbeing & Sustainable Development when it comes to Parliament. For more information on the importance of this legislation please contact Scotland’s International Development Alliance (www.intdevalliance.scot)
Yours sincerely