MSPs call for views on new legislation for Scotland’s public services

A Holyrood committee is seeking views on proposed new laws which could have a “significant impact” on Scotland’s public sector.

Labour MSP Sarah Boyack has put forward a member’s Bill, which if passed, would create a new duty on public bodies to promote sustainable development and wellbeing in their work.

As part of this, the Wellbeing and Sustainable Development (Scotland) Bill also proposes the creation of a Future Generations Commissioner to support and oversee these efforts.

In addition, the Bill also sets out definitions of sustainable development and wellbeing, and aims to embed these principles into public decision-making in Scotland.

Boyack, who is stepping down from Holyrood at next year’s election, has already said she hopes the legislation will encourage more joined-up thinking across public services.

With MSPs on Holyrood’s Social Justice and Social Security Committee due to start taking evidence on the proposals after the Parliament’s summer recess, the committee urged anyone with views on the Bill to get in touch.

Committee convener Collette Stevenson said: “This Bill could have a significant impact on how decisions are made across Scotland’s public sector.

“We’re keen to hear what the public sector and local authorities make of the proposals, and we’d also like to hear from professionals, academics, children and young people, as well as anyone else with an interest in wellbeing and sustainable development.

“By sharing your views with us, you’ll help us explore how the proposals could work in practice and what the changes could mean for Scotland’s future generations.”

People have until Sunday August 24 to submit their views on the Scottish Parliament’s website.