William Eichler 05 January 2026

Council apologises for sign language failure

Council apologises for sign language failure image
© Andrey_Popov / Shutterstock.com.

A London council has apologised after failing to find a sign language interpreter for a deaf man receiving care.

An investigation by the Local Government Ombudsman found that, despite being aware that the man was hard of hearing, there was no evidence that the council took steps to ensure his home carers had British Sign Language (BSL) skills.

A spokesperson for Hammersmith & Fulham Council said finding BSL interpreters for care homes ‘can be very difficult’ and added the council was ‘working to make sure this doesn't happen again.’

The council has agreed to pay £450 in recognition of the distress and uncertainty caused.

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