Welsh Language (Wales) Measure 2011

The Welsh Language (Wales) Measure 2011 is an Act of the National Assembly for Wales that came into force on 9 February 2011. It aims to promote and facilitate the use of the Welsh language, and to create a legal framework for its official status in Wales.

Key provisions of the Measure include:

• Official Status: The Measure confirms that the Welsh language has official status in Wales.
• Duty to Operate in Welsh: It places a statutory duty on certain organizations (mainly public sector bodies) to operate in Welsh and to provide services in Welsh, within specified areas. This duty is enforced through a system of Welsh language standards.
• Welsh Language Commissioner: The Measure establishes the role of the Welsh Language Commissioner (Comisiynydd y Gymraeg), an independent statutory officer responsible for promoting and facilitating the use of the Welsh language and for enforcing the standards. The Commissioner replaced the Welsh Language Board.
• Welsh Language Tribunal: It creates a Welsh Language Tribunal to hear appeals relating to decisions made by the Welsh Language Commissioner.
• Standards: The Measure allows for the creation and enforcement of standards related to the Welsh language, requiring organizations to meet specific requirements in their dealings with the public and in their internal operations. These standards are designed to ensure that individuals can use the Welsh language when interacting with public services.
• Promoting the Language: The Measure encourages the use of the Welsh language and promotes the development of Welsh language skills.

In essence, the Welsh Language (Wales) Measure 2011 is a significant piece of legislation aimed at strengthening the position of the Welsh language within Wales by giving it official status and establishing a framework for its use in public life. It represents a significant step in recognizing and protecting the Welsh language.