A bit about wellbeing legislation
Looking to the future, Wales is a country that is changing. Rhossili as part of the wider community of Swansea is changing too and will increasingly be made up of people from different backgrounds, as people choose to move here to live. The average number of people in a household is falling with more people living on their own than before. The sort of jobs people have are changing, with technology advances, increasing automation and changes in healthcare. Rhossili is now an accessible place for more people to move to because they can bring their work with them, rather than having to commute long distances to the office.
The Well-being of Future Generations Act (Wales) 2015 asks the Public Services Boards and 44 Public Bodies (which included community councils) to work together toward seven common well-being goals. These were:
Seven well-being goals
Goal
Description of the Goal
A prosperous Wales
An innovative, productive and low carbon society which recognises the limits of the global environment and therefore uses resources efficiently and proportionately (including action on climate change); and which develops a skilled and well-educated population in an economy which generates wealth and provides employment opportunities, allowing people to take advantage of the wealth generated through securing decent work.
A resilient Wales
A nation which maintains and enhances a biodiverse natural environment with healthy functioning ecosystems that support social, economic and ecological resilience and the capacity to adapt to change (for example climate change).
A healthier Wales
A society in which people’s physical and mental well- being is maximised and in which choices and behaviours that benefit future health are understood.
A more equal Wales
A society that enables people to fulfil their potential no matter what their background or circumstances (including their socio economic background and circumstances).
A Wales of cohesive communities
Attractive, viable, safe and well-connected communities.
A Wales of vibrant culture and thriving Welsh language
A society that promotes and protects culture, heritage and the Welsh language, and which encourages people to participate in the arts, and sports and recreation.
A globally responsible Wales
A nation which, when doing anything to improve the economic , social, environmental and cultural well-being of Wales, takes account of whether doing such a thing may make a positive contribution to global well-being.
In 2016, the Public Services Board carried out an Assessment of Local Well-being for Swansea in which community councils as well as local experts, citizens, children, service users were asked to imagine the Swansea they wanted to see in 2040. The Assessment was based on six outcomes which represented the kind of place we would like Swansea to be. A place where:
- children have a good start in life
- people learn successfully
- young people and adults have good jobs
- people have a decent standard of living
- people are healthy, safe and independent
- people have good places to live, work and visit.
Vision for Swansea 2040
From here the city and county of Swansea has identified four key well-being objectives.
Objective: Early Years
To ensure that children have the best start in life to be the best they can be.
Objective: Live Well, Age Well
To make Swansea a great place to live and age well.
Objective: Working with Nature
To improve health, enhance biodiversity and reduce our carbon footprint.
Objective: Strong Communities
To empower communities promoting pride and belonging.
Following the 2017 Assessment of Local Well Being, Swansea is now looking to update and build on the information gathered then.
To find out more and to take part go to: www.swansea.go.uk/psbassessment2022
Consultation runs until Friday March 18th 2023.
Gill Boulding