Establishment and Purpose of the Welsh Communities Commission
The Welsh Communities Commission was established in 2022 to examine areas such as housing, tourism, the economy, agriculture, and education.
The Cabinet Secretary for Finance and the Welsh Language, Mark Drakeford, stated that the Commission's central recommendation must be implemented "carefully."
Drakeford referred to the recommendation that communities where Welsh is most commonly used as a daily language should be designated as areas of higher linguistic significance.
He added that this approach "sets a gradual path for implementation" which "allows time and opportunity to continue conversations and build consensus," emphasizing that "the role of the Welsh Government must involve as much listening as making decisions."
Tom Giffard, representing the Conservatives, highlighted the need for greater emphasis on "growing the economy" in such communities.
Heledd Fychan, speaking for Plaid Cymru, stressed the "urgent need for action."
The Welsh Language Society responded by describing the "delay in implementing the report's main recommendation as unacceptable."
'Conflicting Perspectives'
Speaking in the Senedd, Mark Drakeford noted that discussions about designating areas of higher linguistic significance have revealed "the complexity of translating principles into practical actions, as well as the contentious nature of the work area."
"Agreeing on the fundamental recommendation is relatively easy for the majority. But, beneath the surface, conflicting perspectives emerge.
For example: Where should responsibility for designation lie? What criteria should be in place to make that decision? What processes should be followed to reach that decision? Whose voices should be included in that process and, most importantly, what difference should all this make to the lives of people living within – or adjacent to – designated areas?"
Mark Drakeford proposed a three-stage approach towards designating higher density linguistic areas.
"We could proceed with stages 1 and 2 together, while preparing the groundwork for stage 3 to enable a timely start.
The first stage would acknowledge higher density areas within a revised 'Cymraeg 2050' strategy.
The second stage would implement commitments within the strategy across all policy frameworks and government departments...
Looking ahead, I believe the third stage involves exploring the possibility of introducing primary legislation to establish a statutory designation system, which could set national criteria, define responsibilities for ministers and local authorities, and clarify how designation might influence policies."
Commission Report and Progress
The Welsh Communities Commission presented its first report, 'Empowering communities, strengthening the Welsh language', in August 2024.
The report contained 57 recommendations, 40 of which were directed at the Welsh Government to strengthen the Welsh language in areas with a high proportion of speakers.
Mark Drakeford stated that 11 of these recommendations have already been implemented.
For example, he noted progress towards a three-year funding cycle for recipients of the Cymraeg 2050 grant.
Additional funding has been provided to organisations working in community language planning, including an extra £500,000 for language initiatives across Wales this year.
Through the community asset loan fund, borrowers accredited under the Welsh Language Offer can receive a 0.5% reduction in their loan interest rate.
The commission has recommended designating communities with a high percentage of Welsh speakers—such as Pen Llŷn—as areas of higher linguistic significance.
Political Responses and Concerns
Heledd Fychan, on behalf of Plaid Cymru, warned that "Welsh is losing ground despite 'Cymraeg 2050'. We have seen the census, haven't we, showing a decline; annual population surveys also indicate a decrease.
Therefore, urgent action is needed, which is why I believed this government commissioned the communities commission—to bring forward challenging proposals, knowing they would be challenging, but also to ensure implementation."
Tom Giffard, representing the Conservatives, said,
"I don't believe we've heard enough in your statement today about the importance of growing the economy in communities like these, because we know if people can find work locally and stay where they grew up, they want to remain in that community.
Of course, the First Minister has said that growing the economy in Wales is not your priority."
Jane Dodds, speaking for the Liberal Democrats, noted,
"We have more Welsh speakers in Powys than in Ceredigion, yet Powys is not included in these plans."
Drakeford concluded,
"There are many communities in Powys where I can see a case for designating them as areas of linguistic significance."
Welsh Language Society Reaction
Owain Meirion, chair of the Welsh Language Society, responded in a statement,
"It is now a year and a half since the Commission published its first report, 'Empowering communities, strengthening the Welsh language'.
This is a piece of highly detailed research and analysis offering specific ways to sustain Welsh as a living language in its traditional communities.
The fact that it has been left on the shelf gathering dust with its main recommendation unimplemented since August 2024, and with this Senedd term nearly over, is unacceptable.
Welsh communities face a crisis today, but unfortunately government actions do not reflect the seriousness of the situation – the next Welsh Government cannot delay further before taking action."
