Author Description

The Measure is intended to modernise the existing legal framework largely governed by the Welsh Language Act 1993 ("the 1993 Act") regarding the use of the Welsh language in the delivery of public services. The Measure includes provision with regard to the official status of the Welsh language and establishes the office of Welsh Language Commissioner ("the Commissioner") which will replace the Welsh Language Board established under the 1993 Act. The Commissioner's principal aim will be to promote and facilitate the use of the Welsh language and to work towards ensuring that the Welsh language is treated no less favourably than the English language. The Measure makes provision with regard to the development of standards of conduct relating to the Welsh language which will replace the existing system of Welsh language schemes provided for by the 1993 Act. The Measure also makes provision about the enforcement of duties contained in standards, including the ability of persons under duty to comply with standards, and individuals affected by failures to comply with standards, to appeal some of the Commissioner's decisions. There is also provision which allows persons under duty to challenge the imposition of those duties as they apply to them. This will include the creation of a Welsh Language Tribunal. Finally, the Measure makes provision with regard to the establishment of a Welsh Language Partnership Council to give advice or make representations to the Welsh Ministers about their Welsh language strategy.