Wales to Implement Key Health Impact Assessments by September 2025

The Welsh Government has announced a significant milestone in public health policy set to take effect on 19th September 2025. This development comes as part of the broader implementation of the Public Health (Wales) Act 2017, with a focus on enhancing health impact assessments.

Key Points:

• What’s Happening?
  The Welsh Ministers, led by Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Services Jeremy Miles, have exercised their powers under the Public Health (Wales) Act 2017 to activate Part 6 of the Act. This section specifically pertains to health impact assessments.

• Why is this Important?
  Health impact assessments are crucial tools for evaluating the potential health effects of policies, plans, or projects on the population. This ensures that public health considerations are at the forefront of decision-making processes across various sectors.

• Background:
  The Public Health (Wales) Act 2017 has been progressively rolled out since it received Royal Assent on 3rd July 2017. Various sections of the Act have been enacted over the years, addressing a range of public health issues from tobacco control to health service provisions.

• What’s Next?
  With the activation of Part 6, all relevant provisions concerning health impact assessments will be in full effect. This aligns with the Welsh Government’s commitment to safeguarding and improving the health and well-being of its citizens.

The implementation of these assessments marks a proactive step towards a healthier Wales, ensuring that public health impacts are considered in policy development and implementation. Keep an eye on further updates as the date approaches.