Agenda item

To consider the report of the Deputy Leader  (attached).

The annual report was submitted by the Cabinet Member - Welsh Language. The Welsh Language Services Manager elaborated on the contents. Welsh Government's final Strategy would be published on 11 July 2017. 

Concern was expressed that there was so much focus on education as the only way of reaching the aim. 

Members' attention was drawn to the fact that there was no mention of the Welsh language strongholds, the element of social use of the Welsh language and the use of the Welsh language in communities.

The importance of setting milestones which had been addressed in the report was noted, but that it was a difficult matter to measure. The education system was often used but it would be a challenge and sophisticated ways of measuring would have to be found.

A member suggested that the only way to realise the ambition was by opening more Welsh-medium schools. There were many families where neither parent spoke Welsh therefore there was no Welsh in the home.

A member reported that three-quarters of Welsh-speakers were produced by the education system and a quarter by the home. If we were going to realise the ambition, it was suggested that the way forward was by extending the education system, particularly in the south-east. The Government should support the Local Authorities which already implemented the requirements and the authorities which were taking steps to extend the Welsh-medium education sector.

Disappointment was expressed that the report mentioned using the education system only to realise the ambition and it was suggested that the planning field should also be included. This was a field which often affected the language. A member agreed with this comment and particularly as a result of the decision by Lesley Griffiths, Welsh Government Cabinet Member, allowing developers to appeal again after Gwynedd had refused an application twice on land in Penrhosgarnedd.

A member suggested that there was room to look at the role of Hunaniaith in terms of the emphasis on developing the Welsh language in the community. It was reported that Language Initiatives had a central role in communities elsewhere and that there was room to look at the role of the Language initiative in this county.

The Cabinet Member - Welsh Language reported that the Council had clearly stressed that the ambition of having a million Welsh-speakers would not be realised through one medium, the education system, alone.

A member reported that rural companies needed to be looked-after and that promoting the economy was essential to keep Welsh-speakers here.

A member reported that the goal was fine, but that the Government and the committee which had formed the Strategy were devoid of ideas and had turned to education as if that were the answer to everything. 

It was reported that all committee members came from the south-east.

In response to the comment on the committee membership, the Cabinet Member - Welsh Language reported that there was no representation from the north-west and barely any from the north at all. She noted her intention to raise the matter with the Chair of the committee and to seek fair representation of the speakers across Wales. 

The meeting commenced at 10:30am and concluded at midday.