“An innovative, productive and low carbon society which recognises the limits of the global environment and therefore uses resources efficiently and proportionately (including acting on climate change); and which develops a skilled and well-educated population in an economy which generates wealth and provides employment opportunities, allowing people to take advantage of the wealth generated through securing fair work.”

While the term ‘prosperous’ is referenced frequently in public body and Public Services Boards’ well-being objectives, its use broadly relates to education, employment, poverty or Gross Domestic Product (GDP). This means they miss some topics highlighted in ‘A Journey to a Prosperous Wales’, which are derived from the full definition of the well-being goal. This includes: decent work, a low carbon society, fair and local procurement, local economies, skills for the future and using resources efficiently (circular economy).

The Commissioner has previously recommended that as city deals and other economic development programmes across Wales move forward, Welsh Government and the local authorities involved must themselves demonstrate how they are applying the Well-being of Future Generations Act. In particular, in reflecting the statutory definition of A Prosperous Wales, as well as making the case to the UK Government for this more progressive framework to be adopted.