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The decisions as the council's minutes record them. A plain-language summary follows once it has been written.
RESOLVED that subject to the above, the minutes of the previous meeting held on 4 March 2026 be received and approved as a correct record.
RESOLVED that the Welsh Language Steering Committee approve the Report as correct evidence of compliance with the Welsh standards and the progress that has been made against the Council's Welsh Language Strategy 2023-28 during the 2025-26 financial year.
RESOLVED that the Welsh Language Steering Committee note the report and the recommended actions.
RESOLVED that the Welsh Language Steering Committee note the Policy Making Report.
RESOLVED that, subject to the above, the Committee’s Forward Work Programme be received and noted. The meeting concluded at 12:00pm
Apologies were received by Councillor Emrys Wynne.
Councillor Ellie Chard declared a personal interest as she was a Governor at Ysgol Tir Morfa and Christchurch. Councillor Cheryl Williams declared a personal interest as she was a Governor at Ysgol Emmanuel. Councillor Arwel Roberts declared a personal interest as he was a Governor at Ysgol y Castell.
The Corporate Director: Governance and Business (CDGB) sought nominations for the chair position for the municipal year 2026-27. Councillor Ellie Chard queried whether she could nominate Councillor Emrys Wynne in his absence. It was confirmed that this was permissible. Councillor Chard proposed Councillor Emrys Wynne for the position of Chair, and the nomination was seconded by Councillor Cheryl Williams. There were no other nominations. RESOLVED that Councillor Emrys Wynne be nominated as chair for the municipal year.
In the absence of the chair the Corporate Director: Governance and Business sought nominations for the vice-chair position for the municipal year 2026-27. Councillor Cheryl Williams proposed that Councillor Ellie Chard be appointed vice chair, seconded by Councillor Ann Davies. As there were no other proposals, Councillor Ellie Chard was appointed vice chair, and all present agreed. RESOLVED Councillor Ellie Chard be appointed vice chair for the municipal year.
None.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED that subject to the above, the minutes of the previous meeting held on 4 March 2026 be received and approved as a correct record.
The minutes of the Welsh Language Steering Committee held on 4 March 2026 were submitted. RESOLVED that subject to the above, the minutes of the previous meeting held on 4 March 2026 be received and approved as a correct record.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED that the Welsh Language Steering Committee approve the Report as correct evidence of compliance with the Welsh standards and the progress that has been made against the Council's Welsh Language Strategy 2023-28 during the 2025-26 financial year.
The Welsh Language Officer (WLO) presented the Annual Welsh Language Monitoring Report 2025/26 (previously circulated) which outlined the Council's compliance with the Welsh Language Standards during the 2025/26 financial year and progress against the Welsh Language Strategy 2023-28. The report highlighted achievements in service delivery, workforce development, promotion of the Welsh language and activities undertaken across Council services. Members were informed of progress made in improving Welsh language provision, staff training and community engagement, together with future priorities for 2026/27. The Committee received a presentation highlighting Welsh language activity undertaken during the year. This included the promotion of Welsh through dedicated Welsh language areas in staff rooms, partnership work with Welsh language organisations, and events such as Dydd Gŵyl Dewi celebrations and activities linked to the UEFA Women's European Championships. Members were advised that these events had been delivered in partnership with Denbighshire Leisure Ltd, Menter Iaith and Mudiad Meithrin, and had been well attended. Further events were planned. Officers reported strong performance across the Council's social media platforms and confirmed that several measures had been implemented to ensure Welsh was not treated less favourably than English. The Council continued to promote the internal Welsh Language Policy and support staff engagement through initiatives such as Paned a Sgwrs and the Staff Eisteddfod. Service updates highlighted significant Welsh-medium activity within Libraries, including strong attendance at Dechrau Da sessions and participation in the Summer Reading Challenge. Adult Social Care continued to embed the Active Offer and promote Welsh language training opportunities. Members were informed of continued progress in Welsh-medium education, including high transfer rates from Cylchoedd Meithrin to Welsh-medium primary schools and the expansion of Welsh-medium Flying Start provision. The Committee noted an increase in Welsh language training uptake amongst staff and a rise in the number of posts advertised with Welsh language requirements. Members were advised that six complaints relating to Welsh Language Standards compliance had been received and resolved during the reporting period. Several videos were shown to the Committee, highlighting Welsh language initiatives across Adult Social Care and showcasing activities such as the Staff Eisteddfod. The Committee also noted the planned priorities for 2026-27, which included further training on Policy Decision Standards, continued promotion of the day-to-day use of Welsh within the workplace, and a social media campaign aimed at addressing misconceptions about the Welsh language. Members discussed the following further – · During discussion of the report, Councillor Ellie Chard suggested that additional activities could be developed around Dydd Gŵyl Dewi celebrations. Officers advised that discussions had taken place regarding involving children in future events, including musical performances and carol singing. Councillor Ann Davies suggested that larger events could be considered to allow greater public participation, including opportunities for people to attend and perform. The Corporate Director: Governance and Business explained that the Council Chamber had limited capacity for performances but suggested that Conference Rooms 4 and 5 could potentially be utilised to accommodate singers and performers. He advised that the feasibility of this arrangement would need to be explored further. · Councillor Arwel Roberts thanked officers for the report but noted that there was no reference to Urdd activities. He asked whether future reports could include information on partner organisations' Welsh language activities. Officers advised that the report had primarily focused on the Council's own work but agreed that inviting Welsh language partners to future meetings to provide an overview of their activities could be considered. · Councillor Ellie Chard welcomed the Council's response to Welsh Language Standards complaints and noted the positive outcomes achieved. Members were advised that: • English-only posters displayed in Ruthin Library had been replaced with bilingual versions. • Non-bilingual taxi roof signage had been addressed through engagement with the licensing authority and operator. • An English-only postal vote response template had been corrected. • Incorrect Welsh translations on signage along Rhyl Promenade had been reviewed and replaced. • An automated email issued in English only had been corrected through system changes. • An English-only social media post had been amended and staff reminded of their obligations under the Welsh Language Standards. · Councillor Arwel Roberts expressed disappointment that a location in St Asaph continued to be referred to by its English name, "Green Gates", despite there being an established Welsh name for the site. He suggested that greater emphasis should be placed on promoting Welsh place names. The Corporate Director: Governance and Business agreed to investigate the matter further. · Councillor Martyn Hogg asked whether there was scope to adopt a policy of giving greater prominence to Welsh versions of common place names and terms. He queried whether a strategy could be developed to support this approach and cited Councillor Arwel Roberts' use of Welsh place names as an example of good practice. RESOLVED that the Welsh Language Steering Committee approve the Report as correct evidence of compliance with the Welsh standards and the progress that has been made against the Council's Welsh Language Strategy 2023-28 during the 2025-26 financial year.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED that the Welsh Language Steering Committee note the report and the recommended actions.
The Welsh Language Officer (WLO) and the Communication and Engagement Manager presented a report (previously circulated) providing an overview of the Welsh Language Commissioner's five-year report, Our Time to Act: The Position of the Welsh Language 2021-25. Members were informed that the report analysed the findings of the 2021 Census, reviewed progress towards the aims of Welsh 2050 and identified key priorities for the next five years. The report highlighted ten recommendations focused on creating Welsh speakers through education, strengthening community use of the language and increasing opportunities to use Welsh in workplaces and public services. Officers also outlined how the Council could contribute towards several of the priorities identified within the report. The report provided a breakdown of the work undertaken over the previous five years. It was reported that, while the population of Wales had continued to grow, the number of Welsh language speakers had not increased. The report identified three main areas of opportunity: • Creating confident Welsh speakers through the education system. • Strengthening the community use of the Welsh language. • Creating workplaces that support the Welsh language. Members were informed that the report contained ten recommendations. These included improving Welsh language transfer rates through targeted interventions and additional funding, investing in the Welsh language skills of the early years workforce, building a bilingual education workforce, expanding Welsh-medium opportunities in post-compulsory education, increasing opportunities for young people to use Welsh in community settings, developing a national Welsh language digital strategy, strengthening support for areas with a high density of Welsh speakers, reviewing and expanding Welsh language standards, increasing support for Welsh language use in workplaces, and ensuring Welsh language provision was embedded within clinical care pathways across NHS Wales. During discussion, concerns were raised regarding recruitment and retention challenges. It was acknowledged that, although fluency was desirable, any level of Welsh language ability among staff was considered beneficial and represented a positive contribution towards supporting and promoting the language. The Welsh Language Officer advised Members that, despite progress being made, there remained a substantial amount of work to be undertaken to support and promote the Welsh language. Members discussed the following further – · Councillor Arwel Roberts noted that the percentages presented within the report were encouraging, but highlighted that there was still room for improvement. He referred to the number of Welsh speakers leaving the area and the arrival of residents with no Welsh language background, suggesting that efforts should be made to attract former residents back to the area. He also expressed disappointment at the limited opportunities to socialise through the medium of Welsh and stressed the importance of increasing public awareness and visibility of the Welsh language within local communities and wards. · Councillor Martyn Hogg queried whether the available data adequately captured information on Welsh language learners and the barriers they faced. He referred to the residents' survey and noted that the Welsh language section appeared to provide limited response options. In response, officers advised that feedback on the survey had been provided to the Council and that the questions used had been standardised across Wales. It was further explained that there was limited information available regarding individuals currently learning Welsh, although organisations such as Canolfan Dysgu Cymraeg were collecting relevant data. Members were informed that census data generally provided a simple indication of whether individuals could speak Welsh, and that the Welsh Government was reviewing data collection arrangements. It was also noted that consideration should be given to gathering information on Welsh speakers who had moved to Wales from outside the country. · Councillor Roberts asked whether data was available regarding the number of Welsh speakers leaving the area. He commented that the increase in home working opportunities could potentially encourage former residents to return. In response, officers noted that census figures had shown an increase in Welsh language speakers in Cardiff, although comparative figures for Denbighshire were not currently available. · Councillor Roberts further commented that the last Welsh-language chapel in Rhyl could potentially close in the near future and suggested that additional efforts and support would be required to strengthen and promote the Welsh language within the town. RESOLVED that the Welsh Language Steering Committee note the report and the recommended actions.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED that the Welsh Language Steering Committee note the Policy Making Report.
The Welsh Language Officer (WLO) presented the Policy Making Standards Report and accompanying presentation (previously circulated) which provided an overview of the Council's responsibilities under the Welsh Language Standards relating to policy making, consultation and research. Members were informed that feedback from departmental self-assessments and observations from the Welsh Language Commissioner had highlighted a need to improve awareness and understanding of the requirements of the Policy Making Standards. The presentation focused on the definition of a policy decision, the requirement to undertake a conscientious effort when assessing impacts on the Welsh language and proposals to develop training for officers and workshops for Members Officers provided an overview of the report, which focused on compliance with the Welsh Language Policy-Making Standards. Members were advised that the report addressed three key challenges: determining whether a policy decision was being made, assessing the effects on the Welsh language, and ensuring appropriate records of compliance were maintained. The presentation also highlighted the importance of consultation and record-keeping, together with practical guidance on achieving compliance. The Committee was informed that the definition of a policy decision was broad and extended beyond formal written policies to include decisions relating to the exercise of the Council's functions and the conduct of its business. Members received an overview of the four key stages involved in complying with the Policy-Making Standards. Step 1: Determining Whether a Policy Decision Was Being Made Officers explained that consideration was first given to whether a matter constituted a policy decision. Where an existing policy governed the decision, it was generally treated as operational. Where no such policy existed, the matter was treated as a policy decision. In cases of uncertainty, a precautionary approach was adopted and the matter was considered to be a policy decision. Step 2: Gathering Information Members were advised that relevant information was gathered to assess the potential impact of the decision. This included consideration of the area affected its linguistic profile, the likely duration of any impact, and any relevant legislation or existing policies. Officers also considered who would be affected by the decision, including those who might benefit from it and those who could experience any adverse effects. Consideration was also given to the objectives of the decision, together with the rationale and timing for its implementation. Step 3: Identifying and Assessing the Impact Officers advised that a detailed assessment was undertaken to determine whether a proposal could have a positive, negative or neutral impact on the Welsh language. This included consideration of opportunities to use Welsh, the number of Welsh speakers, Welsh-speaking communities, and the requirement not to treat Welsh less favourably than English. Members were informed that organisations were expected to make a genuine and conscientious effort when undertaking these assessments, supported by appropriate evidence and clear reasoning. This included considering how positive impacts could be maximised, how negative impacts could be mitigated, and recording the basis on which conclusions had been reached. Step 4: Acting on the Findings Members were advised that, where impacts were identified, proposals should be amended where necessary to reduce adverse effects and strengthen positive outcomes for the Welsh language. Decision-makers were required to be made aware of any Welsh language implications before reaching a final decision, and the impact of decisions should be monitored following implementation where appropriate. The Committee was informed that the Welsh Language Commissioner had emphasised the need for organisations to demonstrate a conscious and meaningful consideration of Welsh language impacts when making policy decisions, rather than relying on generic or superficial assessments. The Council had subsequently developed guidance and was planning training for officers and Members to strengthen understanding and compliance with the Policy-Making Standards. Members discussed the following further- · Members discussed the circulation of the presentation slides, and the Welsh Language Officer confirmed that they would be happy to share the slides with members. Consideration was given to whether the information should also be shared with City, Town and Community Councils to support their understanding of policy making. The Corporate Director: Governance and Business suggested that the Welsh Language Officer contact Kate Thew to discuss the matter further with the Councils. · Councillor Martyn Hogg commented on the importance of impact assessments and acknowledged that they could be complex to undertake. He stressed the need to identify and highlight any negative impacts and suggested that a template containing a list of common impacts would be beneficial in supporting future impact assessments. He also suggested that there should be a mechanism to identify whether complaints had been considered within an impact assessment. · The Corporate Director: Governance and Business noted that the development of impact assessments was an ongoing process and commented that sharing case studies and providing training would be beneficial in strengthening the approach. · The Welsh Language Officer welcomed the suggestion of a template-based approach and advised that a workshop would be arranged to explore the matter further. The WLO highlighted that Welsh Language Champions could be utilised to strengthen Welsh language considerations within the policy-making process. · It was further noted that there was scope to strengthen and refine the Welsh language impact assessment process in relation to the Local Development Plan (LDP) RESOLVED that the Welsh Language Steering Committee note the Policy Making Report.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED that, subject to the above, the Committee’s Forward Work Programme be received and noted. The meeting concluded at 12:00pm
The committee’s forward work programme was presented for consideration. There was nothing additional added, however, officers were happy to include more if required prior to the next meeting. RESOLVED that, subject to the above, the Committee’s Forward Work Programme be received and noted. The meeting concluded at 12:00pm
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