John Griffiths, Minister for Environment and Sustainable Development
This was published under the 2011 to 2016 administration of the Welsh Government
On 9 May 2012 I published a consultation paper on the proposals for a Sustainable Development Bill. I am now pleased to issue a summary of this consultation, which is attached for information.
I have been very encouraged by the excellent response to this consultation and the support expressed about the need for legislation to develop a more sustainable Wales.
Across the responses there was broad agreement that this change was needed, and with the use of legislation to achieve it. Respondents also agreed that it was essential that any newly-established body under this legislation be both independent, and capable of providing the public sector with the guidance they would need to comply with the proposed duty.
It is clear from the results of this consultation exercise that clear leadership is needed on sustainable development in the Welsh public sector, including the ability to foster understanding and knowledge of sustainable development principles, and that our stakeholders expect the Welsh Government and the newly-established body to provide that leadership.
In this context many of the respondents agreed that more clarity and further detail were needed on the proposed legislation, and in setting out our proposed way forward within the White Paper later in the year we will pick up on these messages and deliver the clarity asked for.