Removing language barriers to enhance public sector services
As the UK becomes more culturally diverse, local authorities face increasing pressure to provide accessible services to all residents—no matter what language they speak. Councils now serve communities where English may not be the first language and effective communication has never been more essential
The language challenge in local government
According to the Office for National Statistics, more than 600,000 people in the UK reported being unable to speak English well—or at all—as of 2021. Traditional translation and interpreter services are expensive, and many councils are already working with tight budgets and limited resources. Balancing cost-efficiency with the need to meet statutory accessibility requirements is a growing challenge.
Introducing NetTranslate
NetTranslate is an innovative real-time AI translation tool that integrates directly into existing telecoms and digital systems. It allows natural, two-way conversations between council staff and residents—without the need for additional training or hiring multilingual staff. Supporting over 40 spoken and 100 written languages, NetTranslate helps ensure that all council services are accessible to everyone, regardless of language. Whether it’s housing, council tax, waste collection, education or social care—staff can speak in English, while residents respond in their preferred language. NetTranslate handles the rest in real-time, ensuring smooth, instant communication that feels natural on both ends.
Key benefits for councils
Cost efficiency : reduces reliance on costly translation services and interpreter booking. Empowered staff: enables frontline workers to support more residents directly, increasing service speed and satisfaction. Digital-first ready: Works across phone, web, and digital platforms, supporting modern communication strategies. Compliance and security: offers encrypted, reliable translations with transcription options for record-keeping and legal compliance.
A step toward inclusive public services
For councils serving multilingual populations, NetTranslate isn’t just a tech solution—it’s a bridge to better community engagement. It helps meet statutory equality duties while also reducing costs and building public trust. As the UK continues to evolve demographically, making council services accessible in any language isn’t just a nice-to-have—it’s essential. M
FURTHER INFORMATION
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