A broad group of campaigners have united to call for wellbeing and sustainable development to be at the heart of policy making in Scotland
Over 130 social and environmental justice NGOs, grassroots community groups, faith groups, service providers, funders, economists, academics, think tanks and business leaders have again joined forces in an open letter to the First Minister.
The group is united in their support of the Wellbeing and Sustainable Development Bill proposed by Sarah Boyack MSP.
The letter, led by the Wellbeing Economy Alliance Scotland (WEAll Scotland), is signed by One Parent Families Scotland, Stop Climate Chaos Scotland, The Poverty Alliance, Scotland’s International Development Alliance, Independent Food Aid Network, Quakers in Scotland and many others.
The group, who previously wrote to the First Minister in June, express their disappointment and concern that the Scottish Government failed to deliver on their long-promised Bill in the Programme for Government.
In the letter campaigners proclaim: “We believe this Bill is a vital step towards building a Wellbeing Economy by ending short term, sticking plaster solutions that fail to tackle today’s challenges at their source.”
WEAll Scotland Director, Aileen McLeod, said: “In a just and compassionate Scotland, everyone should have the opportunity to live a good and dignified life. We know that people are struggling as we face multiple crises for people and planet.
“It doesn’t have to be this way. Right now, the Scottish Government is not utilising the full extent of their devolved powers. The recent Programme for Government was a missed opportunity to deliver lasting change.”
The letter, sent to the First Minister John Swinney today, sets out how a Wellbeing and Sustainable Development Bill would create a step change in policy making: “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.”
Sarah Davidson, Chief Executive at Carnegie UK, said: “New wellbeing legislation could help Scotland make headway with the biggest challenges of our time by forcing more long-term thinking.
“The Scottish Parliament should get behind Sarah Boyack’s Bill because the only way we’re going to tackle issues like climate change or child poverty is through thoughtful action, co-ordinated across government and the wider public sector.”
Tejesh Mistry, Chief Executive of Voluntary Health Scotland, said: “This Bill should provide a vital pathway for addressing the increasing poverty and inequality in Scotland at a time when a forward-thinking Wellbeing Economy driven vision is key to providing hope for people and services that are suffering.”
David Kelly, Head of Scotland for Community Transport Association, said: “Too many of Scotland’s cities, towns and villages have been designed with car dependency built in.
“Bigger roads, more drive-thrus and new neighbourhoods without buses, cycle lanes or even pavements have only driven up congestion, emissions and ill-health. We need a clear and rigorous definition of sustainable development in law to prevent bad planning decisions, build more accessible places and end transport poverty.
“We hope that the Scottish Parliament can unite behind Sarah Boyack’s Members Bill to help develop a sustainable transport system which works for everyone.”
Aileen McLeod continues: “Now is the time for action, it is essential that the First Minister gives his full support to Sarah Boyack’s Wellbeing and Sustainable Development Bill.
“There is already cross party support and our letter demonstrates the breadth and depth of support across Scotland. This is a key opportunity for the Scottish Parliament to work together to pass world leading legislation that delivers for the people of Scotland.”
The letter reads:
