Concern at rate of Welsh complaints rejected

CAMPAIGNERS have raised concerns after a significant drop in the number of formal investigations into alleged infringements of Welsh speakers’ rights since a new Welsh Language Commissioner took over.

Former Lib Dem AM Aled Roberts succeeded Meri Huws as the Commissioner in April.

According to figures disclosed by Mr Roberts’ office to Cymdeithas yr Iaith Gymraeg, the Welsh Language Society, the new Commissioner decided to investigate only 26% of complaints received in his first month in post – much lower than any month in the last three years.

By comparison, Ms Huws investigated 75% of the complaints received during April 2018.

Cymdeithas yr Iaith claimed that correspondence between the Commissioner and Eluned Morgan, the Minister for the Welsh Language, shows that Mr Roberts has changed his policy on dealing with complaints following pressure from the Welsh Government.

Cymdeithas yr Iaith spokeswoman Tamsin Davies said: “The concern we hear from many of our members is that they don’t feel the complaints procedure, since Mr Roberts was appointed, always gives priority to the interests of Welsh speakers. These statistics show there are grounds for their concerns.

“Refusing to open investigations into so many complaints will weaken our language rights if this trend continues. It is appalling that the government has put pressure on the Commissioner to take an approach that favours organisations and companies.”

Mr Roberts responded: “Full investigations were taking place even when organisations were already taking steps to rectify matters and put arrangements in place to ensure they did not happen again.

“Were I to open a full, formal, investigation in every case, and spend six months working on solutions to issues that have already been resolved, I don’t think I would be making the most efficient use of limited resources.

“Nor do I think it would be the best service I can offer Welsh speakers or improve the position of the language.”