Issue - meetings

To consider a report by Councillor Huw Jones, Lead Member for Community Development (copy enclosed) presenting the proposed Welsh Language Strategy for approval.

RESOLVED that Cabinet approve the proposed Welsh Language Strategy.

Councillor Huw Jones introduced the report and presented the proposed Welsh Language Strategy (2017 – 2022) for approval.  He referred to the recent bad press regarding the document and hoped that the progressive actions identified within the strategy would be reported upon more positively in the media.

The strategy had been produced in response to the implementation of the Welsh Language Standards and set out how the authority would promote and enhance the language with a view to increasing the number of Welsh speakers within the county by 0.5% over the next five years.  The strategy had been broken down into key themes – strategic planning, children and young people, community, business and the economy, and internal administration within the council.  Reference was made to the work already undertaken with partners in preparation and the strategy would be delivered by working with a host of community organisations.  The statistical analysis of Welsh speakers in the county was highlighted, including the positive influence of more Welsh being taught to school-aged children.

The Leader commended the establishment of a Welsh Language Steering Group in order to further promote the Welsh Language and welcomed the strategy as a means of reversing the decline in Welsh speakers and exceeding the 0.5% target in the longer term.  The council had accepted the Welsh Language Standards but he felt more could be learned from other Welsh speaking authorities and suggested that the Welsh Language Steering Group could look into the matter further.

Cabinet welcomed the strategy and positive actions identified through the key themes in order to protect and promote the Welsh Language and assurances were sought regarding how those actions would be monitored to ensure effective progression.  It was explained that actions would be reported to the Welsh Language Steering Group on a quarterly basis and actions would also be included and monitored in service plans.  With a view to further promoting the Welsh Language Councillor Eryl Williams highlighted the success of holding Welsh events such as the Urdd National Eisteddfod in less Welsh speaking areas.  He also highlighted the increasing demand for Welsh Language education across the county which he felt should be reflected within the strategy together with the importance of pupils retaining the language after leaving school and ensuring that Welsh became a living language outside of the education system.  Councillor Meirick Davies welcomed the strategy but sought assurances that resources were in place to ensure its delivery in practical terms.  The Leader agreed that a culture change was needed and timely progress of the strategy would require additional funding and would likely be an issue for the new Council and the Welsh Language Steering Group to pursue.

RESOLVED that Cabinet approve the proposed Welsh Language Strategy.