Campaigners make ’10 urgent Welsh Language demands’ for new Government
Stephen Price
Welsh language campaigners will launch a charter containing 10 policy demands for the Welsh Government to implement as a matter of urgency at the National Eisteddfod today (7 August), including calls to regulate the housing market in favour of local people.
Cymdeithas yr Iaith’s Siarter Troi’r Llanw (“Turning the Tide Charter”) outlines specific measures aimed at transforming the future of the Welsh language and its communities.
Among the campaigners’ demands is a call on the new Government, led by Rhun ap Iorwerth, to introduce a Property Act to establish the right to a home and regulate the housing market in favour of local people.
The movement is also calling for the implementation of all the recommendations contained in the reports of the Commission for Welsh-speaking Communities.
Cymdeithas Yr Iaith’s Charter Launch will be presented by Siân Howys and Walis George, together with community representatives who will explain why its implementation is needed in their respective areas.
Speaking on behalf of Cymdeithas yr Iaith, Siân Howys said: “Despite decades of campaigning and sacrifice, and strong public support, a rising tide continues to threaten the Welsh language and our communities.
“The number of Welsh speakers is falling, while the communities where Welsh is strongest are shrinking and under immense pressure.
“In particular, families and young people are being priced out of their Welsh-speaking communities, and too many children are being deprived of Welsh-medium education.
“It remains a struggle for people to use Welsh in their everyday lives – in the workplace, in leisure activities, and when receiving services.
“There is still no guarantee of access to a GP or to health and wellbeing services in Welsh, while English continues to dominate both digital and traditional media, as well as dealings with the private sector.
“The people of Wales have waited far too long to be able to use Welsh in every aspect of their lives, and to enjoy thriving communities where social and economic structures give sufficient consideration to the need to sustain and revitalise the Welsh language.
“In light of the new political context, this is the opportunity to act and deliver the fundamental changes that are urgently needed so that the Welsh language can live.”
Siân Howys added: “At the top of the Charter’s demands is a Property Act – legislation we have been campaigning for for decades. This would establish the right to a home and create a local housing market.
“In addition, the Government must implement all the recommendations of the three reports produced by the Welsh-speaking Communities Commission and publish an implementation timetable that reflects the emergency facing our communities.
“We are calling on the Welsh Government to implement all the Charter’s demands without delay, in order to turn the tide in favour of the Welsh language and our communities.”
The Demands:
- Introduce a property act
- Protect Welsh language communities
- Welsh education for all
- Welsh language childcare
- Strengthen Welsh language laws
- Devolve broadcasting powers
- Establish a Welsh digital enterprise
- Ensure Welsh language mental health services
- Work to protect the language
- Develop a strategy for ‘rural resistance’
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It is already possible for local authorities to apply a ‘local connection’ rule to housing waiting lists, and many have done so. The problem is the lack of affordable homes.