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Local Government: Translation Services

Asked by Sir James CleverlyConservativeMinistry of Housing, Communities and Local GovernmentTabled Answered 1 July 2026UIN 12147

The question

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, further to the Answer of 16 April 2024 to Question 124632 on English language, whether his Department recommends local authorities comply with the guidance advising them against translating into foreign languages set out in Official Report, 12 March 2013, Column 5WS.

Answered by Nesil Caliskan

As independent bodies who take their own decisions, local authorities are responsible for assessing the need and value for money in delivering any translation services for their residents.

As outlined previously, Protecting What Matters outlined our commitment to a new approach to integration which has clear expectations for everyone who lives in the UK to learn English. To support this we are developing a cross-government integration strategy. Further details will be provided in due course.

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