The Consultation Engagement and Equalities Manager presented a report which updated the Cabinet Committee Equalities on the implementation of the Welsh Language (Wales) Measure 2011 and the Welsh Language Standards.

She explained that the Welsh in the workplace policy had been updated and was available to staff via the Intranet. This included information on the 5 year strategy and what this meant for customers and employees.

She added that they had met with the Welsh Language Commissioner on 30 October in which they were provided information which related to their performance. Overall the feedback was positive in relation to correspondence, social media content, policies and the BCBC website. In relation to phone calls automatic language options were available for all three calls, however were unable answer any of these calls fully using the Welsh language. She added that they were still awaiting the Welsh Language Commissioner code of practice to give additional guidance on the interpretation of the Welsh Language standards which they hope to provide at the next Equalities Committee.

The Consultation Engagement and Equalities Manager provided details relating to the complaint received in July 2019 where there was an allegation that an English only letter was received from Bro Ogwr Primary School in relation to cycle lessons. The Welsh Language Commissioner discontinued the complaint as it was not an ‘education course’ and was satisfied that the mistake was human error.

The Consultation Engagement and Equalities Manager provided details relating to a complaint in March 2019. The complainant claimed they did not receive a full response to Welsh medium correspondence sent to the Talktous email address. The Consultation Engagement and Equalities Manager advised that complaints had already been received regarding this and therefore the Welsh language Commissioner decided not to pursue this particular one as the previous complaints were under investigation.

The Consultation Engagement and Equalities Manager provided details relating to a complaint in October 2019. The complainant had received an automatic response email which acknowledged receipt of a Council Tax payment to which they claimed there were welsh language errors.

The Consultation Engagement and Equalities Manager advised that they have provided evidence to the Welsh Language Commissioner of this as this was the second complaint received of a similar nature.

The Consultation Engagement and Equalities Manager updated the Equalities committee on the previous complaints received. Details of these and the progress made was listed in section 4.1.6 of the report.

A Member asked how far we have developed in terms of overall compliance on implementing the Welsh Language.

The Consultation Engagement and Equalities Manager explained that the only areas that we have not achieved full compliance were self-service machines, for example parking machines were not yet giving the option to view in Welsh.

A Member asked with regards to the complaint about the email sent out, was this problem rectified or where do we currently stand with this.

The Consultation Engagement and Equalities Manager explained that we could not find the error in question so they have asked for clarification from the Welsh Language Commissioner on where the error is and are still awaiting a response.

A Member asked if the complainants contacted the Council directly first.

The Consultation Engagement and Equalities Manager mentioned that complaints were not sent to the Council in most cases, complainants often go straight to the Welsh Language Commissioner.

A Member mentioned how impressed she was that the Council have managed to achieve so much and implemented so many standards in such a short time.

RESOLVED: That the cabinet committee Equalities noted the contents of the report. Noted.