Jeremy Miles MS, Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Care
Today I have published the summary of responses to the Welsh Government’s consultation on draft regulations to mandate the use of Health Impact Assessments.
The consultation ran from 29 December 2023 to 29 March 2024, and I am very grateful for the responses received from a range of interested parties and members of the public. The consultation received 63 responses, following which further engagement with officials took place and workshops were held with public bodies impacted by the proposals.
As a result of the responses received from the consultation and the subsequent engagement which has also taken place, it is expected that a number of key changes will be made to the drafting of the proposed regulations which my officials are currently working on developing.
Later this year I expect to lay regulations before the Senedd to mandate the use of Health Impact Assessments in certain circumstances. This is with the view of the proposals coming into force towards the latter part of next year to allow for a period of preparation, which it is expected will include the publication of guidance and roll out of a training programme to assist the affected public bodies.
This statement is being issued during recess in order to keep members informed. Should members wish me to make a further statement or to answer questions on this when the Senedd returns I would be happy to do so.