Agenda item

Cabinet Member Angela Sandles and Nia Roberts introduced the report and answered the members’ questions:

• What challenges are faced in promoting the Welsh language in a county like Monmouthshire, particularly given its older demographic, and is it harder to engage older generations compared to younger ones?

It can present challenges, particularly as traditional promotion methods such as social media and online platforms may be less effective for older generations. However, it is emphasised that it is never too late to learn Welsh, and there are many opportunities available. To address this, the Council is increasingly focusing on community-based activities and events – such as inviting residents into County Hall for St David’s Day celebrations – to engage a wider range of people and make Welsh language learning and use more accessible across all age groups.

• What are the key challenges anticipated in progressing the Welsh Language objectives over the next year?

One of the main challenges is increasing the number of staff able to speak Welsh, as higher capacity is needed both to meet demand for services and ensure compliance with Welsh language standards. While there has been a significant increase in staff learning Welsh since the start of the strategy, there has been a slight decrease in participation this year, and further growth is needed. Another key challenge is managing translation services, where rising demand and budget pressures are prompting a review of delivery models, including exploring collaboration with other authorities and improving internal processes to ensure efficiency while maintaining quality.

• Is there any specific provision of Welsh language courses for councillors, and will councillors be informed about these opportunities?

Welsh language courses available to staff are also available to councillors, fully funded and typically starting around September. Councillors will be contacted directly with details about these courses. In addition, guidance materials and practical resources – such as commonly used Welsh phrases for meetings and supporting recordings – are being developed to help councillors use Welsh more confidently in the chamber.

• Is artificial intelligence being used to support translation, and how effective is it?

AI can be a useful tool for translation, but only where the user has sufficient Welsh language skills to check and verify the accuracy of the output. At present, the authority continues to rely on external translators, as AI is not yet considered reliable enough to be used independently without human oversight.

• How is Welsh language promoted and perceived within schools, particularly in areas with historically low usage, and what progress has been made?

There are clear signs of progress, with increased promotion and integration of Welsh language and culture even in English-medium schools and areas with historically low usage. Examples include participation in national events such as the Eisteddfod, increased visibility of Welsh within school environments, and the regular use of incidental Welsh. These developments demonstrate growing engagement among pupils and parents and reflect wider improvements in the promotion and uptake of Welsh language across the county.

Chair’s Summary:

The chair thanked the Cabinet Member and officers for their work and advised that future reports would be added to the committee’s work programme. There were no outstanding queries.