Wellbeing of Wales: 2017

Main points

• Life expectancy has been broadly increasing and the amount of time spent in good health has been on the up. However inequalities remain across different groups. 
• Smoking and drinking are falling, but overall one in ten people follow fewer than two good healthy lifestyle behaviours. Obesity in adults has risen over the long term.
• In terms of a healthy start to life there has been good progress in areas such as breastfeeding and dental health, but obesity in children remains a challenge.
• People are more likely than ever to be in work in Wales, although historical economic challenges remain. Whilst having a job reduces the chances of being poor, in-work poverty is increasing as more people enter work. Two-thirds of workers are considered to be in “decent work”.
• As in the rest of the UK, there has been little improvement in people’s incomes, although the gender pay gap has reduced and educational attainment is increasing.
• Relative income poverty has remained stubborn and is highest amongst children, although a lower percentage of the population report themselves to be in material deprivation. Socio-economic disadvantage remains a key inequality for some outcomes such as educational attainment and life expectancy. 
• Inequalities persist in different indicators and across different population groups. For example, black and ethnic minorities are less likely to say that they feel they belong to the local area, and women feel less safe in their communities than men. 
• People’s sense of community and belonging depends on a range of factors. In general most people are satisfied with where they live, although one in five people feel lonely. 
• Many adults attend and participate in culture and sports and trends are generally upwards in recent years. However participation varies according to age and background. 
• One in five people speak Welsh and in recent years, data suggest that there is an increase in those speaking Welsh but not fluently whilst use of the language has remained steady. 
• Water quality and air quality in Wales continues to improve and greenhouse gas emissions have fallen. However air pollution continues to be a significant health issue. 
• Renewable energy generation has been on the rise. But our ecological footprint suggests that our key natural resources are being depleted faster than they can be replenished.
• Overall, biological diversity is declining, and no ecosystems in Wales can be said to have all the features needed for resilience.