"A dangerous precedent could be set if arguments presented in the M4 inquiry misinterpret the Well-being of Future Generations Act and undermine the spirt and purpose of the Act," says Sophie Howe, Future Generations Commissioner for Wales.

The Commissioner has today submitted further evidence to the Public Local Inquiry that resumes on the 19th September.

The Well-being of Future Generations (Wales) Act is about improving the social, economic, environmental and cultural well-being of Wales. It will make the public bodies listed in the Act think more about the long-term, work better with people and communities and each other, look to prevent problems and take a more joined-up approach.

Ms Howe continued:

“This innovative legislation requires a dramatic shift in the way we take decisions in Wales. There should not be an incorrect adoption or interpretation of the principles that could lead to misunderstanding and ambiguity across the Welsh public sector. The Act requires public bodies to take well-balanced decisions that give as equal weight as possible to short and long-term needs and the four pillars of well-being – economic, social, environmental and cultural, and cannot be used as an excuse not to comply with other duties under other legislation.”