Build back better with focus on well-being not just GDP - Rachel Woods MLA

Tuesday 23 June 2020

Green MLA Rachel Woods has said we need to address the damage inflicted by an economic system built on debt fuelled over consumption, inequality and measured exclusively on GDP.

Rachel’s comments come as the Assembly debated mental health and well being after Covid-19 today (Tuesday 23 June 2020). 

The North Down MLA said: “There can be doubt that the Covid crisis has exacerbated mental ill health, particularly for people already experiencing challenges in their lives before the pandemic took hold. 

“The unprecedented situation has made many of us think about how we live our lives and what we value most. There is an opportunity to build back better from Covid, but to do so, the recovery must be a green recovery. 

“That means challenging the business as usual approach and an economic system premised on inequality and debt fuelled over consumption. 

“Furthermore, building back better from Covid means looking at well being as a guiding indicator when setting budgets and guiding government policy. 

“An example can be drawn from the Welsh government and their innovative Future Generations Act which places a legal requirement on public bodies in Wales to think about the long term social, cultural, environmental and economic impact of their decisions. 

“What is clear is that post Covid austerity must be rejected out of hand. Our communities are still reeling from the austerity agenda of the least decade and changes to the welfare system. 

“The Green recovery means working to improve the physical and mental well-being of all citizens, but particularly the most vulnerable across our society.”

For help and support with your mental health you can contact Samaritans on 0330 094 5717 of LifeLine on 0808 808 8000.