The Western Mule reports that Welsh Language Commissioner Meri Huws has published a set of proposed new standards that will force public bodies to increase significantly their commitment to providing services in Welsh.
Ms Huws’ report – Standards Relating to the Welsh Language: the Welsh Language Commissioner’s Proposals –sets out a detailed list of 37 standards, which could become legal requirements by 2014.
The report repeatedly states that “the Welsh language must be treated no less favourably that the English language.”
The document means that in future Welsh speakers could expect to receive correspondence and phone calls in Welsh, along with accessing Welsh-speaking doctors and carers.
Signage, corporate slogans and websites will all be affected by the new requirements and firms not complying could face a fine of £5,000
Expect the Anti-Welsh Backlash on the Mules comments page.
But we should expect our AMs to accept the report and implement in .
However before they do so they should see that they respective Parties act in faith and ensure " the Welsh language must be treated no less favourably that the English language.”
This means every Political party in Wales should make sure that...
- Their Websites are fully bilingual and accessible in Welsh and English
- Leaflets that are produced these Parties are Bilingual
- Posters are Bilingual
- Their correspondence is accessible in Welsh as well as England.
- From Holyhead to Chepstow they treat the Welsh language equally.
Prehaps there could be help given to smaller Parties like the Greens and Independents to ensure they can translate Leaflets.
How can the Assembly legislate for public bodies to provide services they own Party is not prepared to carry out ? Anything less is unacceptable..
And Yes I note that this Blog is in English only but I'm a Monoglot Individual and not a organisation..
