Coalition calls for Wellbeing and Sustainable Development Bill

This article was featured in the SCDC Weekly - 2nd October 2024.

A coalition of individuals and organisations have signed a joint letter urging the First Minister to support the passing of a Wellbeing and Sustainable Development (Scotland) Bill.

The Bill, which the government has previously consulted on, was not included in the Programme for Government last month. Despite this disappointment, Wellbeing Economy Alliance Scotland (WEAll) and more than 130 organisations, including SCDC, is urging the government to support the Members Bill proposed by Sarah Boyak MSP.

In the letter, WEAll outlines the benefits of the proposed Bill and how it would “create a clear and shared narrative of progress for Scotland; establish wellbeing and sustainable development as the drivers of policy and practice; help tackle the nature and climate crises; and contribute to global justice.”

To do this, the Bill would ensure policy development and implementation is in line with principles of sustainable development and wellbeing by introducing new duties for public bodies.

The Bill would be one part of the shift towards a wellbeing economy which would see a change in our economic system which emphasises fairness, dignity, shared purpose, participation, and the climate – rather than simply GDP growth.

 
 
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