Language law powers to move to Wales 'from next week'

Assembly members will be able to propose new Welsh language laws

Politicians in Wales will get the right from next week to make laws on the Welsh language after years of wrangling, BBC Wales understands.

The new law-making powers should be transferred from Westminster to the assembly on 10 February, BBC Wales' CF99 programme has learned.

The first Welsh language law is likely to be unveiled by the assembly government on St David's Day.

It is expected to be about establishing a Welsh language commissioner.

The person who gets the job will be an advocate for the Welsh language and speak up for the rights of people who want to be able to use the Welsh language day-to-day.

The commissioner is likely to take over many responsibilities of the Welsh Language Board, but is expected to have a beefed-up regulatory role tasked with ensuring public bodies and some private companies, including telecommunications, utilities and transport firms, use Welsh.

The role will also have powers to sanction or punish organisations if Welsh language standards are not upheld.

Deputy First Minister Ieuan Wyn Jones confirmed a Welsh language commissioner would be established under a new Welsh language law.

He said the proposed law would give "more rights" to individuals to expect Welsh services and would give "the regulatory body more powers and relevant sanctions to guarantee that what is being promised is being delivered".

Journey to law

The transfer of powers is set for royal approval on 10 February, an event that marks the final step of its two and a half year journey to become law.

The transfer, which is known as the Welsh language legislative competence order (LCO), will give the assembly the power to make laws - known as measures - to promote and support the language.

Once the LCO has been granted the assembly government or individual assembly members can propose new laws on the language.

However, a leading member of the Welsh Language Board, the body currently responsible for promoting the language, has accused the assembly government of a lack of openness on the matter.

Nick Bennett said: "There has been minimal consultation with regard to the measure... to some extent I'm concerned that we'll see a new language law that does not reflect the national and international expertise we have on language issues"

He also urged Heritage Minister Alun Ffred Jones to guarantee that the expertise of Welsh Language Board staff would not be lost when the office of the new Language Commissioner is established.