News

Language commissioner seeks boost in Welsh language services

Published

2 years ago

October 23, 2023

AMIDST concerns that Welsh speakers are occasionally discouraged from using their native tongue, Welsh Language Commissioner, Efa Gruffudd Jones, has urged organisations throughout Wales to not just provide but actively champion Welsh language services.

In her debut assurance report since her appointment, titled “Raising the Bar,” Gruffudd Jones emphasises the importance of integrating the Welsh language into policy formulation, service planning, and delivery.

Although there’s a general improvement in compliance levels, especially among organizations under the Welsh Language Standards, the report stresses the importance of fostering an environment where Welsh can be used seamlessly in daily life. The focus is on enhancing verbal services, be it telephonic or in-person.

Gruffudd Jones points out the significance of the workplace in preserving the language, stating, “While growth in Welsh education is pivotal, it’s equally important for young individuals to experience Welsh in professional settings. The availability of written Welsh services is commendable, yet the spoken services lag behind – the very services most in demand.”

Acknowledging recruitment challenges of Welsh-speaking personnel, she adds, “The Welsh language deserves more prominence. I urge organisations to devise bilingual workforce strategies.”

Key findings from the report include:

A significant 95% encounter a Welsh greeting during telephonic interactions with public bodies.
Public organisations have 90% of their social media content in Welsh.
Welsh appears to be sidelined on 33% of inspected website pages over the past year in favour of English.
72% perceive public institutions’ Welsh language services as progressing positively.
Approximately three-quarters of Welsh speakers find daily opportunities to speak Welsh.
However, a concerning revelation was that a notable fraction of Welsh speakers felt restricted from using their language. While 18% expressed experiencing this in the past year, the number spikes to 29% among the 16 to 34 age bracket.

Gruffudd Jones denounces such behaviour, stating, “Suppressing the Welsh language undeniably dents the confidence of its speakers and, by extension, its daily usage.”

Nonetheless, she remains optimistic about organisations’ inclination to adapt. “Since assuming this role, I’ve interacted with various stakeholders, sensing an overwhelming positivity towards Welsh. I aspire for every organisation to instil the ethos of the Welsh Language Measure at their core and champion its usage. My commitment remains to oversee, intervene when needed, and consistently offer counsel, ensuring the Welsh language remains integral to our public services.”

News

Reform reveals west Wales candidates for Senedd battle

Published

8 hours ago

March 25, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Monkton councillor tops Pembrokeshire list as party confirms Carmarthenshire names and includes Haverfordwest councillor in unwinnable Swansea spot

REFORM UK has unveiled its full list of candidates for the 2026 Senedd election, setting out its challenge across west Wales including Pembrokeshire and Carmarthenshire.

The party has named Susan Claire Archibald, a sitting councillor for Monkton on Pembroke Town Council, as its lead candidate for the Ceredigion Preseli, Mid and South Pembrokeshire regional list.

Speaking to The Herald, Archibald said: “I am honoured to represent Reform UK and Wales.” She added that a fuller statement outlining her priorities would be released in due course.

The remaining candidates on the Pembrokeshire regional list are Paul Marr, a former prison officer, Michael Allen, Elisa Randall, Peter John and Bernard Holton.

Carmarthenshire candidates named

Reform has also confirmed its list for the Caerfyrddin and Llanelli region, with Gareth Beer placed first, followed by Carmelo Colasanto, Sarah Edwards, Christopher Brooke, Alan Cole and Michelle Beer.

The announcement forms part of a nationwide rollout of candidates as the party seeks to establish itself as a credible electoral force ahead of the 2026 vote.

Thorley listed in Swansea region

Among the names included elsewhere is Scott Thorley, a Haverfordwest-based councillor and the first Reform representative elected to Pembrokeshire County Council.

Thorley appears on the party’s list for the Gower and Swansea West region, where he is placed sixth.

Under the Senedd’s proportional representation system, candidates placed lower on regional lists are significantly less likely to be elected, meaning his position is widely viewed as a paper candidacy to complete the slate.

Election framing

Reform Wales leader Dan Thomas said the party was offering voters a stark political choice.

He said: “After a hundred years of failure, Labour are finished in Wales. The choice at this election is what comes next — common sense and a fresh start with Reform, or independence by stealth with Plaid Cymru.”

The Herald understands that further announcements, including candidate profiles and policy details, are expected in the coming weeks as the campaign begins to take shape.

Crime

Man bailed after serious assault in Fishguard town centre

Published

9 hours ago

March 25, 2026

Tom Sinclair

POLICE are appealing for witnesses following a serious assault in Fishguard that has left a man in hospital.

The incident happened on Main Street at around 11:00pm on Saturday (Mar 21), when the victim was reportedly punched, sustaining head injuries. He remains in hospital receiving treatment.

A 24-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of grievous bodily harm (GBH) and has since been released on bail while enquiries continue.

Dyfed-Powys Police are urging anyone who witnessed the incident, or who may have information that could assist the investigation, to come forward.

Anyone with information is asked to contact police quoting reference: 26*227686.

Information can be provided online via the Dyfed-Powys Police website, by emailing [email protected], by calling 101, or by sending a direct message on social media.

Alternatively, information can be given anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555111 or via crimestoppers-uk.org.

News

Childcare funding boost announced in Wales

Published

10 hours ago

March 25, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Hourly rate to rise as costs increase

THE WELSH GOVERNMENT has confirmed an increase in the hourly rate paid to childcare providers under its Childcare Offer, following a review of funding levels.

The Minister for Children and Social Care, DAWN BOWDEN MS, announced that the rate will rise to £6.67 per hour from April 6, 2026. The increase of 4.18% comes after feedback from childcare providers and sector data gathered during 2025.

The Welsh Government said the change is designed to help providers cope with rising costs, including increases to the National Living Wage.

The Herald understands the review drew on responses from the Childcare Offer’s Annual Survey, as well as information from Care Inspectorate Wales’ Self-Assessment of Service Statement (SASS).

The move follows a policy shift announced last year to review the rate annually, rather than every three years, in a bid to make funding more responsive to pressures facing the sector.

As part of the update, the maximum charge for meals will also increase by 4.18%, which ministers say is intended to balance affordability for both providers and parents.

Dawn Boden said the Welsh Government remains committed to supporting the long-term sustainability of childcare services, adding that officials will continue working with the sector to explore further improvements.