Commit to revising the National Strategy for Economic Transformation, the Green Industrial Strategy and all other economic policies, refocusing them to serve a wellbeing economy and a just transition, and fully align with circular economy principles
Despite rhetorical support for a wellbeing economy the National Strategy for Economic Transformation has not effectively put these principles into practice. Furthermore, the more recently published Green Industrial Strategy has been criticised for lacking the comprehensive actions needed to ensure a just transition to a sustainable economy.
While a Wellbeing and Sustainable Bill is currently making its way through the Scottish Parliament, the resulting legislation must live up to its ambition during the next parliamentary term and beyond. This means that, regardless of the current Bill’s outcome, MSPs must ensure this or future legislation achieves a fundamental shift in how social and economic policy is formulated and implemented.
This will require:
- Clear definitions of ‘wellbeing’ and ‘sustainable development’
- Stronger duties on Ministers and public bodies to promote and deliver the National Outcomes
- Clearly articulated participatory approaches to their creation
- The establishment of a Future Generations Commissioner to provide support and scrutiny.
Delivered well, this Bill would help shift the focus towards preventative spend in Scotland, while closing the existing implementation gap on key national priorities.
For more information:
- Wellbeing Economy Policy Design Guide: How to design economic policies that put the wellbeing of people and the planet first, Wellbeing Economy Alliance
- Towards a Wellbeing and Sustainable Development (Scotland) Bill, Scotland’s International Development Alliance, 2022
- Creating a Caring Economy: A Call to Action, Women’s Budget Group, 2020