Welsh Language Commissioner accused of 'feet dragging'
Fears over delays to securing Welsh language services from big business, such as Welsh language mobile phone operators, have been raised in a protest at the Urdd Eisteddfod today (3:00pm, Wednesday, 27th May).
The 2011 Welsh language law gives power to place duties on phone, broadband, bus, train and energy companies to provide services in Welsh. However, although there is a timetable for public sector organisations to deliver on the new Welsh language rights, the Welsh Language Commissioner has not given a timescale for when big companies, like phone and energy providers, will come under the new framework. Meri Huws was appointed the first Commissioner for the language in April 2012, over three years ago. In a letter to the Welsh Language Commissioner, Manon Elin, language rights spokesperson at Cymdeithas yr Iaith Gymraeg, claims that Meri Huws' failure to publish a timetable is unlawful:
"We believe that your main aim as stated in the Welsh Language Measure requires you to do everything within your ability to ensure these companies are subject to the Standards as soon as possible.
"We have written to you about this on several occasions. We are extremely frustrated that you have not used the powers you have in these important areas...
"I note that you have met with Mobile Broadband Group several times to discuss the Standards. I would remind you that you are not accountable to these companies, and that you have a statutory duty to serve the Welsh language and its interests."
Speaking about the protest, Manon Elin commented:
"The public are suffering from a lack of Welsh language services because of unnecessary delays by the Commissioner. There are no Welsh language mobile phones because she is dragging her feet. She has used several different excuses for her lack of action over recent months; we have asked over and over again, but we haven't had answers. It's about time she acted so that people can live their lives in Welsh in more aspects of their lives. That's not too much to expect. After all, it's a legal duty on her to do that."