MoJ Translation Costs for Non-English Speakers Rise by 10% in a Year – Guido Fawkes

EXC: MoJ Translation Costs for Non-English Speakers Rise by 10% in a Year

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The Ministry of Justice has admitted that its translation costs for non-English speakers is on the rise. A growing issue in the courts…

In response to a written parliamentary question courts minister Sarah Sackman has said that costs on enabling “access to justice for users for whom English is not their first language and those who require visual and tactile services, under the provision of the Equality Act” have risen by almost £100,000 in a year. They are:

• 2023/4: £915,038
• 2024/5: £1,003,283

Costs are now over £1 million and contracted spend so far this year is at £256,708. Those costs exclude translations into English, Welsh, and Braille…

That is a 9.65% increase. Translated languages vary widely. Sackman insists the MoJ has a “statutory duty to provide Language Services” for non-English speakers and the “needs and spend are assessed to ensure these services offer good value for money for taxpayers.” Unsustainable…