WELSH speakers need to be given a greater voice in proposals for new Welsh language legislation – if the whole process is to make a real difference for consumers.
That’s the view of Consumer Focus Wales, in their evidence to the Assembly committee scrutinising the proposed Welsh Language Measure.
Rebecca Thomas, Senior Policy Advocate at Consumer Focus Wales, said: “There is widespread support among Welsh speakers for additional moves to improve Welsh language services. But unless the voice of users of Welsh Language Services are put right at the heart of this new legislation, there is danger that both the quality and the take up of those services will suffer.
“Legislation needs to ensure that quality Welsh Language services exist, that consumers know they exist, and that they meet the expectations of consumers today, and in the future. If we don’t ask consumer what they want, how can they meet those needs?”
Consumer Focus Wales is calling for changes to the measure to ensure that service users play a key role in shaping the new Standards that will be introduced and overseen by the proposed Welsh Language Commissioner. The Standards will replace the current system of language schemes and aim to set out clearly the levels of services available to consumers through the medium of Welsh.
Ms Thomas added: “The introduction of Standards means that it should be clearer to consumers who they can expect to deliver a Welsh Language Service, and what level that service should reach. We are adamant that consumers must be involved in the developments of Standards, to ensure that the new regulations meet the needs of consumers – not just the abilities of providers.”
Consumer Focus Wales’ official response to the Assembly committee scrutinising the proposed Measure highlights three key areas where Consumer Focus Wales would like to see improvements.
Consumer Focus Wales would like to see the Measure:
- ensure that the consumer voice is integral in the development of the new Standards and subsequent Welsh language services
- ensure that consumers know what services they can expect
- put in place more robust monitoring and evaluation processes to help identify which services are or are not working and why
Ms Thomas said: “We feel the views of the everyday consumer has been long absent from discussions around the Welsh language. With our amendments, the Measure will provide an excellent opportunity to make sure the consumer voice will always be a part of the debate.”
Notes:
Consumer Focus Wales has commissioned research to establish attitudes among Welsh speakers to new legislation.
Consumer Focus Wales’ evidence to the Assembly’s legislation committee can be seen on our website.
Consumer Focus Wales will be presenting oral evidence to the committee on 10 June.
