Agenda and minutes

To receive disclosures of personal interest from Members in accordance with the Code of Conduct.

Note:

1.     Members are requested to identify the item number and subject matter that their interest relates to and signify the nature of the personal interest; and

2.     Where Members withdraw from a meeting as a consequence of the disclosure of a prejudicial interest they must notify the Chairman when they leave.

There were no declarations made in accordance with the Council’s Code of Conduct.

To receive the minutes of the Welsh Language Cabinet Sub-Committee meeting which was held on 25^th October 2022.

It was RESOLVED to approve the minutes of the meeting held on 25^th October 2022.

To receive the report of the Service Director of Democratic Services and Communication which provides the Sub-Committee with the comments and observations of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee, which considered the Welsh Language Promotion Strategy and Action Plan at its meeting on 21^st March 2023.

The Senior Executive and Regulatory Business Officer provided the Welsh Language Sub-Committee with the observations of the Overview & Scrutiny Committee following its consideration of the Welsh Language Promotion Strategy at the meeting held on the 21^st March 2023. Members’ attention was drawn to Section 5 of the covering report, which summarised the key observations of the Committee.

The Head of Community and Welsh Language Services then provided the Sub-Committee with the revised copy of the Welsh Language Promotion Strategy Action Plan to support the implementation of the Welsh Language Promotion Strategy 2022-2027, which had been approved by the Committee on 25^th October 2022.

The Chair thanked officers for the report and commended the amount of work undertaken to produce the Promotion Strategy and robust Action Plan. The Chair spoke of the ambitious targets in relation to the WESP and increasing the number of learners by approximately 10% over the next ten years and the future opportunities arising from the 2024 Eisteddfod. The Chair also spoke positive of the links with the communities and emphasised the importance of communities to meet the ambitious targets.

The Cabinet Member for Climate Change and Corporate Services also spoke positive of the Promotion Strategy and Action Plan and felt that it was evident that the Welsh Language run throughout all areas of the Local Authority and its services. The Cabinet Member was particularly pleased to note that Elected Members and staff had the opportunity to learn the language internally as part of their roles and noted that there was a high intake of the provision. The Cabinet Member commented that this provision would not only increase the use of the language in a work setting, but also at home with families and friends.

The Cabinet Member for Development and Prosperity praised the content of the report. Whilst acknowledging that it would be more difficult to increase the number of Welsh speakers in the community, the Cabinet Member was pleased to note the steps in place to afford partners the opportunity to contribute to the success of the overall strategy. In reference to section 5.6 of the report, the Cabinet Member felt it would be important for the Council to monitor part 2 of the Action Plan.

The Cabinet Member for Health & Social Care spoke of the benefits of learning the Welsh Language and felt that the report demonstrated the Council’s commitment to achieving its goals. The Cabinet Member acknowledged that taking up a new language later in life can feel daunting and questioned if there were figures available in respect of take up from this demographic.

The Service Manager for Welsh Language Services assured the Committee that Welsh for Adults work hard to target the demographic, particularly at a time when the RCT Eisteddfod is approaching. The Service Manager suggested that such data is included in the Action Plan once available, to target the community accordingly.

Discussions ensued around learning Welsh outside of an education setting and Menter Iaith informed Members that work  ...  view the full minutes text for item 7.

To receive the report of the Director, Public Health, Protection & Community Services, which provides the Sub-Committee with an opportunity to consider the Welsh Language Annual Monitoring Report for 2022-2023.

The Service Manager for Welsh Language Services provided the Welsh Language Sub Committeewith acopy ofthe Draft WelshLanguage StandardsAnnual Report 2022 –2023.

The Chair thanked the Service Manager for the comprehensive report and commented that he was confident that the Local Authority were complying with the 171 statutory Welsh Language Standards introduced by the Welsh Government under the Welsh Language (Wales) Measure2011, whilst striving for improvement.

The Chair was pleased to note the range of initiatives undertaken by Council services and that the council had participated in various National events. The Chair spoke of the plethora of learning opportunities throughout RCT and referenced the front-facing roles within leisure facilities as an example of good practice.

The Cabinet Member for Development and Prosperity spoke positive of the report and noted that feedback from the Welsh Language Commissioner during the Council’s annual meeting with their Standards Setting and Compliance Officer held in Quarter 3, was that 2022-2023 continues to be very positive in respect of the progress made in Rhondda Cynon Taf.

The Cabinet Member for Climate Change and Corporate Services took the opportunity to extend her gratitude to the Council’s Welsh Language Tutor for extending lessons to catering staff.

Menter Iaith took the opportunity to speak of the Sport RCT Project, which he stated had been refreshing and positive. Menter Iaith praised the attitude of the team, young volunteers and staff; and advised that it was a model that Menter Iaith would like to develop further.

The Chair thanked participants for their contributions and the Welsh Language Cabinet Sub-Committee RESOLVED:

1.             To note the content of the draft report;

2.             To approve the draft report in order for a final version to be published on Rhondda Cynon Taf County Borough Council’s website, and approve the distribution of the final report to eachof theauthority’s officesthat areopen tothe publicby nolater than 30 June 2023; and

3.             To approvearrangements forpublicising thefact thatthe final annual reporthas been published.

To consider any other business, which the Chairman by reason of special circumstances is of the opinion should be considered at the meeting as a matter of urgency.

With the permission of the Chair, Menter Iaith took the opportunity to speak of the upcoming Parti Ponty event, which would take place on the weekend of 12^th May 2022.

Members were informed that to kick start the event, Parti Pwll Ponty would take place on the Friday and would see over 370 school children enter Pontypridd Lido for free to enjoy a range of activities and live music. The Saturday would begin with the Park Run and continue with live performances, food and drink stalls and a plethora of activities for all ages.

Menter Iaith extended their gratitude to the Local Authority for its support and looked forward to developing the event further following the anticipated success of the 2024 Eisteddfod.

The Chair thanked Menter Iaith for sharing details of what would be a fantastic weekend, which would incorporate fun and a diverse range of activities into a Welsh learning environment.