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A Better Quality of Life
A strategy for sustainable development for the United
Kingdom.
Summary
In May 1999, the UK Government published A Better
quality of life, a strategy for sustainable development for the
UK. At the heart of sustainable development is the simple idea
of ensuring a better quality of life for everyone now and for
generations to come. This means meeting four objectives at the
same time, in the UK and the world as a whole.
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social progress which recognises the needs
of everyone;
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effective protection of the environment;
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prudent use of natural resources; and
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maintenance of high and stable levels of economic
growth and employment.
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Government policy will take account of ten guiding
principles:
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putting people at the centre;
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taking a long term perspective;
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taking account of costs and benefits;
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creating an open and supportive economic system;
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combating poverty and social exclusion;
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respecting environmental limits;
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the precautionary principle;
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using scientific knowledge;
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transparency, information, participation and
access to justice;
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making the polluter pay.
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We have developed a way of measuring progress by
a system of indicators. Headline indicators identify the key issues
relating to quality of life. We will publish the headline indicators
every year and report on our actions and forward plans.
Government cannot achieve sustainable development
on its own. The strategy identifies action by business, local authorities,
voluntary groups and all of us individuals.
Further Information
The strategy, A better quality of life, costs
£11.80 from The Stationery Office Bookshops. It can also be ordered
through the Parliamentary Hotline, 0345 02 34 74. Other leaflets
look at sustainable development issues for business, the voluntary
and community sector, the health sector and local authorities. There
is also a free leaflet on the indicators, Monitoring Progress,
and a factsheet on the are you doing your bit? campaign.
All are available from DETR Free Literature (tel: 0870 1226 236).
They can also be viewed on the DETR website at www.environment.detr.gov.uk.
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