Powys Seeks to Halt Decline of Welsh Speakers with New Strategy

Powys wants to keep Welsh speakers from declining. A new plan focuses on the language for five years. Senior council members will see the draft strategy. They meet on March 4, 2024. This strategy covers 2025 to 2030.

The report states the number of Welsh speakers declined in Powys over the past twenty years. Census data shows a drop in speakers since 2001. Numbers fell from 21.1% in 2001 to 16.2% in 2021.

The council believes they can reverse this trend and sees “hope” in the draft strategy. Census results indicate youth speak Welsh in Powys, except for Ystradgynlais. More young people speak it than older residents do.

This draft strategy has a simple goal: to keep the number at 16.2% by 2030. The next strategy covers years up to 2035, and they want to increase Welsh speakers to 20%.

Three goals support this bigger plan. First, they want to increase the number of kids who confidently speak Welsh. Next, they aim to use Welsh more within the council itself. Finally, they will encourage businesses to use Welsh, including in customer service situations.

The goal addresses a common issue: how to keep young residents using Welsh. They want to use Welsh after leaving school and hope to make it used in the local community.