A new report presented to Cardiff Council has revealed that the number of Welsh speakers in Cardiff has reached an all-time high. As of December 2025, 26.4% of the city's population can speak Welsh, up from 23.8% in June 2023, equating to approximately 96,800 people.
Council Leader Praises Progress
During the full council meeting on Thursday, council leader Cllr Chris Weaver announced that Cardiff has not only met but exceeded many targets set in its five-year Welsh language strategy a year early. He stated, "There are now more Welsh speakers than ever in Cardiff," adding that this is "the highest figure now for any local authority in Wales."
Education and Tourism Benefits
The report also highlighted that 674 pupils were allocated Reception places at Welsh-medium primary schools for September 2025, making up 19.5% of the total intake across the city. Cllr Bethan Proctor, cabinet member for social justice, cohesion and digital, emphasized the cultural and tourism benefits: "The language is a major attraction for visitors, helping to create a unique sense of place that people come to Wales to experience." She added, "When the Welsh language flourishes so too does our culture, our confidence and our uniqueness as a nation."
Concerns Over School Capacity
Despite widespread praise, some Liberal Democrats councillors questioned whether Welsh-medium education supply is sufficient. Cllr Rhys Taylor urged the council to be "far more proactive in supplying Welsh-medium education" and to continue immersion programs in English-medium schools to move them along the language continuum.
