Welsh Language Promotion Strategy Consultation
The Council has developed a Welsh Language Promotion Strategy to meet the requirements of Welsh Language Standard 145 which requires us to produce a 5-year strategy setting out how we propose to promote the Welsh language and to facilitate the use of the Welsh language more widely in the area.
The Strategy, developed by a cross party member task and finish group with support from Menter Iaith Castell-nedd Port Talbot, outlines how the Council can utilise its responsibilities to help influence the increase in the number of Welsh speakers, both directly and indirectly, across the county borough. In developing the strategy we have been mindful of current circumstances, acknowledging the language profile of the area, the ongoing limited resources as well as work already being undertaken or planned which will support the aims of the strategy while at the same time being as aspirational as possible.
We are interested to find out what you think about the draft strategy so please give us your views during the consultation period, 25 May 2018 to 22 June 2018.
Welsh Language Standards
On 24 March 2015, The Welsh Language Standards Regulations (No.1) 2015 were passed in the National Assembly for Wales Plenary Session, which imposed standards on county councils and county borough councils in Wales, national park authorities and Welsh Ministers.
The Welsh Language Commissioner issued a Compliance Notice on 30th September 2015 indicating which standards were to be applied to the Council and from which date.
The Council has challenged 55 of these standards; the Commissioner has considered that the challenge on 54 of the Standards is valid.
In accordance with section 60(2) of the Measure, the requirement on Neath Port Talbot County Borough Council to comply with these standards has been postponed until:
- the Commissioner has determined whether or not the requirement is unreasonable or disproportionate, and
- P’s rights to appeal are exhausted.
The Welsh Language Commissioner has made her final determination on the Council’s challenge and has issued a final compliance notice, which can be viewed below