Yearly Archives: 2015

VICTORY FOR DYFODOL ON THE PLANNING BILL

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After two years of persistent lobbying to give attention to the Welsh language within the Planning Bill, Dyfodol’s efforts have finally come to fruition. The Welsh Language is now part of the Planning Measure and a statutory consideration, which will transform the way in which housing plans will be treated by local authorities in Wales. This was all won through discussion and persuasion.

Dyfodol i’r Iaith began lobbying in the light of weaknesses in the TAN20 regulations which gave local authorities limited rights to consider the Welsh language. This was followed by a slightly stronger TAN20, but one that still did not give consideration of the language a strong statutory basis.

Dyfodol i’r Iaith met with Carwyn Jones, the Prime Minister three times, and many times with the Government’s planning officers. A presentation was made on the matter to the senedd and contact was made with Assembly Members of all parties.

Success was achieved in convincing the politicians of the need to include the Welsh language within the Bill. Evidence provided by Meirion Davies, a member of Dyfodol’s Board, on the effect of the current house planning structures was a significant contribution. Following this came a detailed discussion on satisfactory wording. During these and former stages, Emyr Lewis’s guidance to the politicians was of key importance. An amendment wording that was clear and simple was successfully arrived at.

As Dyfodol yr Iaith led the public debate, discussing with politicians and officers, doors opened without pushing. Many steps still lie ahead of us, but for now, we can be rightly proud of our achievements

DYFODOL I’R IAITH WELCOMES AMENDMENT TO THE PLANNING BILL

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Dyfodol i’r Iaith welcomes the amendment to the Planning Bill put forward by William Powell and supported by Llyr Huws Griffiths and the Minister, Carl Sargeant.

As a result of this amendment, planning authorities must, when relevant, pay attention to considerations relating to the use of the Welsh language in deciding upon planning applications. This is a great step forward, and should end the uncertainty that has led to Welsh language considerations not being given attention for fear that this would not be within the law.

Dyfodol’s representatives, Meirion Davies and Emyr Lewis have presented strong political and legal arguments for such an amendment to the Planning Committee, and reiterated these arguments in meetings with Carwyn Jones and the Welsh Government’s planning officers.

Dyfodol is delighted that politicians of all parties across Wales have supported this amendment. It is indicative of the wide support across Wales for the need to support Welsh as a living community language. The Minister and all the politicians are to be congratulated on their enlightened response to the lobbying.

It is worrying however that other recommendations made by the Committee have not been adopted; these would have built upon the foundation set by this amendment.

Dyfodol continues to call for a statutory body, at arms’ length from the Government, with responsibility for promoting the Welsh language and planning for its welfare.

LANGUAGE STANDARDS AND ORGANISATIONS WHICH RECEIVE PUBLIC FUNDING

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Dyfodol i’r Iaith are pressing for the Language Standards to come into force as soon as possible in relation to organisations which receive over £400,000 of public funding. In the meantime, Dyfodol are also calling on the Welsh Language Commissioner to work within the full extent of her powers to ensure these organisations’ commitment to the Welsh language.
Following the recent complaints regarding the National Botanic Gardens of Wales’s language provision, Dyfodol contacted the Welsh Language Commissioner only to be told that the Gardens’ Language Scheme currently has a “voluntary” status. This means that they are under no statutory obligation to avoid treating the Welsh language less favourably than English until the Language Standards come into force. This is unlikely to come about for some months.
Heini Gruffudd, Dyfodol i’r Iaith’s Chair said:
“The Botanic Gardens is a national organisation named within the Welsh Language Measure, and yet they are currently under no obligation to do anything beyond what they volunteer to do. This shows the need to press ahead with the Language Standards.
In the meantime, we would call upon the Commissioner to put pressure on organisations such as the Botanic Gardens to plan and provide Welsh language services for their users. This would be in keeping with the principle of the law, and would encourage organisations to start preparing immediately for the statutory requirements of the Language Standards