Category Archives: Dyfodol

Eisteddfod Events at Dyfodol’s Stall

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Dyfodol i’r Iaith had a very busy and successful Eisteddfod. Our policy document, Creating a Future for the Welsh Language was launched on the Monday, and this was followed by open, informal discussions throughout the week, each based upon different elements of the document.

Each of the main parties contributed to these discussions. Keith Davies (Labour), Aled Roberts (Liberal Democrat), Suzy Davies (Conservative) and Alun Ffred Jones (Plaid) all called in to discuss various sections of Creating a Future for the Welsh Language.

This was the first such event for Dyfodol to have arranged at the Eisteddfod, and it received a positive reaction from the Assembly Members and those attending the Eisteddfod.

Over the next few weeks, we will be arranging a cross-party reception at the Senedd to further raise awareness of the document. We will also be meeting with the parties’ manifesto coordinators, with a view to persuading them to adopt the policies outlined in Creating a Future for the Welsh Language; the kind of policies that will secure a bright future for the language.

Thank you to all who joined us on the Thursday in extending a warm welcome to Elinor Jones as our new President. We look forward to the benefit of Elinor’s input, expertise, profile and experience.
Alun Ffred
Suzy Davies
Keith DaviesElinor JonesAled Roberts

VICTORY FOR DYFODOL ON THE PLANNING BILL

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After two years of persistent lobbying to give attention to the Welsh language within the Planning Bill, Dyfodol’s efforts have finally come to fruition. The Welsh Language is now part of the Planning Measure and a statutory consideration, which will transform the way in which housing plans will be treated by local authorities in Wales. This was all won through discussion and persuasion.

Dyfodol i’r Iaith began lobbying in the light of weaknesses in the TAN20 regulations which gave local authorities limited rights to consider the Welsh language. This was followed by a slightly stronger TAN20, but one that still did not give consideration of the language a strong statutory basis.

Dyfodol i’r Iaith met with Carwyn Jones, the Prime Minister three times, and many times with the Government’s planning officers. A presentation was made on the matter to the senedd and contact was made with Assembly Members of all parties.

Success was achieved in convincing the politicians of the need to include the Welsh language within the Bill. Evidence provided by Meirion Davies, a member of Dyfodol’s Board, on the effect of the current house planning structures was a significant contribution. Following this came a detailed discussion on satisfactory wording. During these and former stages, Emyr Lewis’s guidance to the politicians was of key importance. An amendment wording that was clear and simple was successfully arrived at.

As Dyfodol yr Iaith led the public debate, discussing with politicians and officers, doors opened without pushing. Many steps still lie ahead of us, but for now, we can be rightly proud of our achievements