Local government has a major role in improving the conditions that underlie a sense of well-being and a good quality of life through working with key stakeholders, especially the local community.
The Local Government Act 2000 gave local authorities the power to do anything they consider is likely to achieve any one or more of the following objects –
- the promotion or improvement of the economic wellbeing of their area
- the promotion or improvement of the social well being of their area
- the promotion or improvement of the environmental well being of their area.
Well-being has been defined as:
" a positive physical, social and mental state; it is not just the absence of pain, discomfort and incapacity. It requires that basic needs are met, that individuals have a sense of purpose, that they feel able to achieve important personal goals and participate in society." (Defra 2007)
This positive mental and physical state is enhanced by conditions that include:
- supportive personal relationships
- strong and inclusive communities
- good health
- financial and personal security
- rewarding employment
- a healthy and attractive environment
The Health Improvement Team is working across the local authority agendas to facilitate the improvement of social, economic and environmental well-being in Wales. The Policy Officer (Wellbeing) is specifically working with the WLGA Regeneration and Sustainable Development Teams to ensure that health and wellbeing improvement is a priority cross-cutting issue for local governement work in their work streams.