Implementing the Williams Commission recommendations on public services in Wales could be an opportunity to improve services in Welsh. That is the opinion of Welsh language organisation Dyfodol i’r Iaith which presented evidence to the Commission during the consultation period last year.

In its evidence Dyfodol i’r Iaith said that the linguistic makeup of Wales should be a significant consideration in any discussion on local government reorganisation. It appears that the Williams Commission has accepted this principle of respecting language boundaries in its recommendations on amalgamating county councils.

Dyfodol chair, Heini Gruffudd, said  “Here is an excellent opportunity for councils in Wales to come together to improve their service provision to their citizens in Welsh. By sharing resources and staff across the existing boundaries there is the potential to provide a better service in, for instance, social care and special educational needs.”

Heini Gruffudd added, “We also hope that amalgamating councils of a similar linguistic nature will lead to more internal administration in Welsh. The Welsh language needs to be the main language of administatration in all the local authorities in west Wales, thereby following the example set by Gwynedd Council.”

Dyfodol i’r Iaith’s presentation to the Williams Commission can be seen her (Welsh Language only) Cyflwyniad Comisiwn Gwasanaethau Cyhoeddus