Welsh Language Rights and Standards
Welsh language as an official language of Wales — the Welsh Language (Wales) Measure 2011, Welsh Language Standards, and the role of the Welsh Language Commissioner.
ਜਾਣ-ਪਛਾਣ
Welsh language law has materially evolved over the past two decades. The Welsh Language (Wales) Measure 2011 made Welsh an official language of Wales (s.1), created the Welsh Language Commissioner, and introduced the Welsh Language Standards regime. Each public body subject to standards must comply with specified standards across operational, service delivery, policy-making, promotion, and record-keeping dimensions. The Welsh Government's Cymraeg 2050 strategy targets one million Welsh speakers by 2050. The Welsh Language Tribunal hears appeals from Welsh Language Commissioner decisions.
In Brief
Welsh is an official language of Wales by virtue of the Welsh Language (Wales) Measure 2011. The Welsh Language Standards regime requires specified public bodies to deliver services in Welsh and to promote use of the language. The Welsh Language Commissioner enforces compliance; the Welsh Language Tribunal hears appeals.
ਮੂਲ ਸਿਧਾਂਤ
Welsh Language (Wales) Measure 2011 s.1 — Welsh is an official language of Wales.
Welsh Language Standards — applied via regulations under the 2011 Measure to specified public bodies.
Welsh Language Commissioner — investigates complaints; can issue compliance notices.
Welsh Language Tribunal — appeals from the Commissioner.
Cymraeg 2050 — Welsh Government strategy to one million Welsh speakers.
Equal treatment of Welsh and English on official UK Acts that contain Welsh-extent provisions where appropriate.
ਮੁੱਖ ਐਕਟ
Welsh Language Act 1993
Welsh Language (Wales) Measure 2011
ਪ੍ਰਮੁੱਖ ਕੇਸ
R (Driver) v Rhondda Cynon Taff
[2020] EWHC 2071 (Admin)
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the Welsh Language Standards?
Regulations made under the 2011 Measure setting out specific obligations for public bodies — for example, that letters, documents and forms must be provided in Welsh on request, that key services must be available in Welsh, and that bilingual signage must be displayed. Each body subject to standards has bespoke standards specified by regulations.
Can I sue in court in Welsh?
Yes — anyone may speak Welsh in any court in Wales (s.22 Welsh Language Act 1993). Welsh-language hearings are accommodated and translated where needed. Court documents can be submitted in Welsh.
What happens if a public body breaches a Welsh language standard?
The Welsh Language Commissioner can investigate breaches and impose enforcement actions: a section 71 action plan, a section 77 compliance notice, or a section 81 civil penalty (up to £5,000 per breach). Appeals lie to the Welsh Language Tribunal under section 122 of the Welsh Language (Wales) Measure 2011. Individuals do not generally have a direct cause of action against the body but can complain to the Commissioner whose decisions can be judicially reviewed.
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