Group 20: Citizen Voice Body — application of Welsh language standards (Amendment 15)

Part of the debate – in the Senedd at 9:45 pm on 10 March 2020.

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Photo of Vaughan Gething Vaughan Gething Labour 9:45, 10 March 2020

Thank you, Llywydd. The purpose of this amendment is to amend the Welsh Language Standards (No. 7) Regulations 2018 to refer to a 'citizen voice body' instead of 'community health councils' and 'the board of community health councils'. This will ensure that the new body will come under the regulations on establishment and that the Welsh Language Commissioner can issue a draft compliance notice immediately.

The commissioner raised his view on the need for this amendment with me, the Minister for International Relations and Welsh Language, and the committee during Stage 2 proceedings. I've taken on board the view of the committee and I've agreed to amending the No. 7 regulations directly via the Bill, which is unusual but is the best way to ensure the citizen voice body will be subject to the standards as soon as possible. It should ensure a smooth transition from the CHCs to the new citizen voice body and aid planning during the implementation phase in relation to Welsh language requirements. 

It will ensure that users will not lose their rights to access Welsh language services for any longer than what is a minimum amount of time it takes to impose those standards on the new body. This amendment would omit the entry of 'community health councils' and 'the board', which are currently listed within the No. 7 regulations, and instead include the 'citizen voice body' for health and social care in Wales. This is a significant advantage in terms of continuity and planning of approach in relation to Welsh language matters for the citizen voice body. I hope Members recognise the effect of this amendment, and I would encourage all Members to support this amendment.

And finally, in the last moment, I'd like to thank Members for their patience and the stamina of all those staying till the end.