Sarah Boyack MSP has introduced this Member’s Bill, which will promote consideration by public bodies of sustainable development and the wellbeing of future generations.
This is a Member's bill
The Bill was introduced on 27 March 2025 and is at Stage 1
This Bill is at Stage 1 of the process to decide if it should become an Act.
The Bill sets out that public bodies must take account of the need to promote wellbeing and sustainable development in their work. It sets out the definitions of “sustainable development” and “wellbeing” for this purpose.
The Bill would also establish a Future Generations Commissioner. The Commissioner would promote the wellbeing of future generations and sustainable development in decision making by all public bodies, including by publishing guidance to help public bodies understand what the Bill means for them.
Sarah Boyack MSP believes that society faces threats to the wellbeing of current and future generations.
She believes that the decisions of public bodies are often driven by short-term goals, which has caused harm to the environment, the planet’s natural resources, society, and collective wellbeing. She also believes that public bodies need to work together to make sure that the long-term impact of their decisions are considered, for the benefit of future generations.
If passed, she believes that the Bill would achieve this by helping public bodies to prioritise sustainable development and wellbeing when making decisions. The Future Generations Commissioner would be responsible for making sure this is happening and sharing best practice between public bodies. The changes the Bill introduces are designed to encourage joined-up thinking amongst public bodies, and to renew and advance Scotland’s commitment to sustainable development and tackling climate change.
Wellbeing and Sustainable Development (Scotland) Bill as introduced (1014KB, pdf) posted 27 March 2025
Explanatory Notes (192KB, pdf) posted 27 March 2025
Policy Memorandum (419KB, pdf) posted 27 March 2025
Financial Memorandum (298KB, pdf) posted 27 March 2025
Delegated Powers Memorandum (127KB, pdf) posted 27 March 2025
Statements on legislative competence (127KB, pdf) posted 27 March 2025
Explanatory Notes (277KB, pdf) posted 27 March 2025
Policy Memorandum (443KB, pdf) posted 27 March 2025
Financial Memorandum (336KB, pdf) posted 27 March 2025
Delegated Powers Memorandum (214KB, pdf) posted 27 March 2025
Statements on legislative competence (171KB, pdf) posted 27 March 2025
All Bills introduced in the Parliament must be accompanied by specific documents. For most Bills, this includes:
Explanatory Notes: this document provides an overview of what the Bill does, plus a more detailed explanation of individual provisions.
Policy Memorandum: this sets out the objectives of the Bill. It also lists any alternatives considered, details of consultations, and an assessment of the effects of the Bill on a range of areas.
Financial Memorandum: this sets out estimates of costs, savings, and any changes to revenues expected to result from the Bill.
Delegated Powers Memorandum: this is needed if a Bill gives powers to make subordinate legislation or allows Scottish Ministers to issue directions, guidance or codes of practice.
Statements on legislative competence: two short statements, one by the Presiding Officer and one by the Member introducing the Bill. “Legislative competence” means the powers the Parliament has to make law.
The Scottish Parliament's Information Centre (SPICe) prepares impartial research and analysis to assist MSPs in their examination of Bills and other parliamentary business.
A research briefing will be published in due course.
The Bill was introduced on 27 March 2025
At Stage 1, the Bill is given to a lead committee. This is usually the committee whose remit most closely relates to the subject of the Bill. The lead committee will consider and report on the Bill. Other committees may also examine the Bill and report to the lead committee. Finally, there is a debate and vote by all MSPs on the general principles of the Bill. If the general principles are not agreed to, then the Bill ‘falls’ and can’t become law.
The lead committee for this Bill is the Social Justice and Social Security Committee.
The lead committee will usually examine the Bill through evidence sessions. This will involve contributions from individuals and organisations, known as 'witnesses', with knowledge of the subject matter. The committee might also discuss the Bill in private sessions.