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Arranging help from an interpreter or translator

If you visit a local authority office or have an appointment to see a council officer, you can ask for an interpreter. Your authority will arrange for an interpreter to interpret for you, either in person or over the phone. If an interpreter is not available they will arrange another appointment for you.

Information about translation services

Some people will need help from language translation services - your local authority will:

All local authority departments must provide translation support to its customers. Some translation services will be provided through a community group or professional translators and interpreters, depending on the customers needs.

A translation service will always be confidential. You should only use adult family members or friends as translators after the option of professional support has been offered. Children should never be used as interpreters.

If you would like more information about translation and interpretation services you should contact your local authority.

The following link will let you enter details of where you live and then take you to your local authority website where you can find out more.

• Find out about your council's interpreting and translation service Opens new window