SL(5)045 - The Welsh Language Standards (No. 6) Regulations 2017

Background and Purpose

The Welsh Language (Wales) Measure 2011 (the Measure) makes provision for the specification of standards of conduct in relation to the Welsh language (“standards”). These replace the system of Welsh language schemes provided for by the Welsh Language Act 1993.

These Regulations specify standards in relation to the conduct of 27 bodies listed in regulation 3 of the Regulations (which are referred to in the Regulations as “bodies”). These bodies form part of the education sector.

The Regulations also authorise (subject to certain exceptions set out in regulation 3) the Commissioner to give a compliance notice to those bodies, in relation to standards specified by the Regulations.

Usually a number in the name of one of a series of Statutory Instruments refers to the number made in the particular year. In this case the number refers to the whole series of Standards Regulations, in the same manner as commencement orders are numbered.

These Regulations take the place (with amendments) of the Welsh Language Standards (No. 3) Regulations 2016 (the No.3 Regulations) that were rejected by the Assembly before the election last year.

Procedure

Affirmative

Technical Scrutiny

No points are identified for reporting under Standing Order 21.2 in respect of this instrument.

Merits Scrutiny

One point is identified for reporting under Standing Order 21.3 in respect of this instrument. (Standing Order 21.3(ii): the instrument is of political or legal importance or gives rise to issues of public policy likely to be of interest to the Assembly).

The Committee received representations on the No.3 Regulations from student representatives. The Committee noted the representations and drew them to the Assembly’s attention. The No.3 Regulations were rejected by the Assembly on 15 March 2016.

The Government amended the draft Regulations before re-laying them in the present form. The Culture, Welsh Language and Communications Committee will be scrutinising the revised draft.

Legal Advisers

Constitutional and Legislative Affairs Committee

January 2017