Agenda and draft minutes

Councillor Rhodri Davies apologised for his inability to attend the meeting.

None.

There were no disclosures of personal/ prejudicial interests. <AI4>

It was RESOLVED to confirm as a true record of the minutes of the meeting held on 10 July 2024.

Matters arising: In relation to item 10, the Language Policy Officer explained that an e-mail had been sent to the Governing body of Talgarreg Primary School.

The Language Policy Officer explained that the purpose of the report was to present the Ceredigion Welsh Language Strategy 2024-29 to the Committee before it was presented to the Cabinet for approval on 3 December 2024. A public consultation on the Strategy was held  between 26 July and 31 August 2024. Consideration had been given to all 72 responses and where appropriate, minor amendments to reflect the suggestions outlined in pages 2-7 of the report had been incorporated into the Strategy. Some of the changes would improve the process of monitoring and measuring the progress of each action within the Strategy.

The Ceredigion Bilingual Future Forum will continue, supported by four newly formed strategic groups that will focus on specific areas of work (Learn, Live, Belong & Succeed).

The Language Policy Officer extended her thanks to the Policy and Performance Team for analysing the responses and for producing the Consultation Feedback report. From the public consultation, 53% of respondents agreed with the overall vision of the Strategy, whilst 44% identified as Welsh and 28% as British. It was acknowledged that the public consultation had not been held in the most effective manner given the timing as it coincided with the summer holidays and as there were limited opportunities for face-to-face sessions. Lessons learnt from the exercise would be key when consulting on the next Welsh Language Strategy.

As it was concerning that 56% of respondents did not feel there was a role for them or their organisation in trying to achieve the Strategy’s vision, reviewing the membership of Ceredigion’s  Bilingual Future Forum was vital. Members supported greater inclusivity within Ceredigion’s Bilingual Future Forum.

Councillor Gwyn Wigley Evans referred to an e-mail sent by Dr Jeff Smith on behalf of Cymdeithas yr Iaith to the Committee Members. The e-mail raised concerns with the local authority’s lack of ambition and target of increasing the number of Welsh speakers by 1.5% by 2029 and that there should be a 5% target increase similar to Powys County Council.

The Language Policy Officer explained that detailed work had gone on in the background to ensure the figure was robust, and whether any new evidence suggested that the figure needed to be revised further. She clarified that there was strong and statistical evidence to retain the target of 1.5% increase of Welsh speakers by 2029 (612 speakers off the 2021 baseline). There was no clear evidence to support a target of 5% as recommended by Cymdeithas yr Iaith, therefore she suggested that any evidence was shared with the local authority’s Policy and Performance Service and herself. From discussions with Powys County Council’s Welsh Language Officer, their new Welsh Language Strategy was yet to be published but they had no specific target in place and rather intended to maintain the 16.2% of Welsh Language speakers recorded in the 2021 Census.

The Chair thanked the Language Policy Officer for the explanation and stated that it was vital that all Committee Members agreed with the target of 1.5% increase of  ...  view the full minutes text for item 5.

Steffan Rees, Cered Team Leader provided a presentation to the Committee outlining the following:

·           Cered’s Aim and Strategic Contribution

·           Budget, Staffing and Structure

·           Partners

·           2024-25 Targets, Themes & Highlights

·           Summary

The following main points were raised during discussions:

·       There were no plans to expand ‘Clwb Roc’ offered at Ysgol Penglais to other schools at present due to limited resources, but consideration would be given to doing so as the project progressed.

·       When the translation equipment was hired,  a translator was not included in the hire. Cered were aware of the challenges local communities and Community Councils experienced in sourcing translators. In some instances, Welsh speakers have been used as commentators in events as opposed to hiring translators.

·       There were ongoing discussions between Cered and Hywel Dda University Health Board’s Language Policy Officer around supporting the use of the Welsh language in Bronglais General Hospital. A session had been held with Junior Doctors recently.

·       The current focus of the Young Sports Reporters Scheme was to offer opportunities to try football commentary on Cymru Sport. A Member suggested writing reports in local newspapers (e.g. papurau bro) too.

·       Members felt the £120,626.00 of core funding received through Welsh Government’s Grant for Promoting and Facilitating the use of the Welsh Language was inadequate. This funding was used to employ staff and on-costs, hence the reason for the reduction in the number of staff over the years as the figure had not increased since 2015-16. It was noted that Officers and Elected Members raised the lack of funding to support the Welsh language within local authorities with Welsh Government at any given opportunity. The remainder of Cered’s funding came from the local authority and was used to fund projects and activities.

Members congratulated Cered and thanked all in the team for their work, considering the limited level of funding they received.

It was AGREED to accept the annual report as a record of Cered’s work during the period in question and to note its work in promoting and developing the use of the Welsh language in Ceredigion.

Consideration was given to the report on Theatr Felinfach’s activity between April - September 2024 and to the highlights and work programme between October 2024 – March 2025. The arts and participation were an integral part of Ceredigion's culture and Theatr Felinfach acted as a focal point for the energy and creative ambition that featured throughout the county's rural communities and areas. Theatr Felinfach were a welcoming, creative, Welsh and bilingual space and venue for individuals, groups and organisations, participants and audiences.

An overview of the following as noted in the report was provided:

·       The values of Theatr Felinfach and contribution to wider Strategies

·       Funding, Structure and Staffing

·       Partners

·       Theatr Felinfach’s activity in the first 6 months of 2024-25

·       Priorities for the next 6 months

It was noted that Electric Vehicle charging points would be installed at the Campus soon. A presentation was provided to the Committee outlining the various activities offered by Theatr Felinfach.

Members praised the work of all at Theatr Felinfach for their dedication and for providing opportunities for all ages from one generation to the next.

It was AGREED to accept the annual report as a record of Theatr Felinfach's work during the period in question and to note the work of the theatre in promoting and developing well-being, developing skills and the use of the Welsh language in Ceredigion.

The Language Policy Officer provided an overview of the activities, resources and campaigns that promoted confidence in using the Welsh language and Welshness in the workplace.

Reference was provided to the following:

·       Bilingual Futures Forum – More Strategic Approach

·       GWENA 'Mae’n ddydd Gwener'

·       Recruitment – Update

·       Campaigns / Activities

The Language Policy Officer extended her thanks to Non Davies, Corporate Manager- Culture for the support during her first year in the role.

The Chair extended her thanks to the Language Policy Officer for her work and enthusiasm and for working closely with the local authority’s services. She added that she had recently visited Hafan y Waun Residential Care Home and was made aware that Huw Owen, Welsh Language Tutor was due to attend the home soon to support staff with learning some Welsh phrases.

It was AGREED to note the information.

It was noted that the following would be provided in future meetings:

·       Update on ALTE/ CEFR framework

·       An overview of the local authority’s Social Media account

·       Develop a Welsh language guide for Town and Community Councils

None.