Welsh Government bolsters rules on social services and Welsh language

The Welsh Government has strengthened rules on provision of care services through the Welsh language.

Deputy minister for social services Gwenda Thomas said the Social Services and Well-being (Wales) Act 2014 would require councils and the NHS to provide a range of care and support services through the medium of Welsh, where needed by a service user.

Provisions apply in particular to the delivery of personal care, but local authorities and health boards will also be required to assess the steps that need to be taken to provide such services in Welsh, and will be and required to treat Welsh and English equally.

Thomas said: “This new law puts people at the very heart of social services. It ensures they have a say in the services they need to live their lives in the way they want to.

“I am firmly committed to promoting the Welsh language and to securing its proper place in our public services.”