British Sign Language translations of government communications have increased by 41% in the latest reporting year, according to the government’s fourth BSL Report published today.
The report covers May 2025 to April 2026 and compares translation use across government departments with the previous reporting year. Since reporting began in 2023, the government said BSL use in communications has risen by 161%.
Ministers said the increase means BSL users can access more government information directly, including plans, strategies, consultation documents and consultation responses.
The report found that some departments have more than tripled the number of publications translated into BSL since 2025. It also recorded an increase in BSL versions of practical guidance, including Home Office guidance on passport photos and an explanation from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government on changes to the private rented sector.
The British Sign Language Act 2022 requires government to report every three years on how ministerial departments use BSL in public communications on policy and changes to the law. The government said it is publishing a report every year up to 2027.
The government also said it had recently announced grant funding for the assessment of registered interpreters for Deafblind people. It said the funding is expected to deliver a more than eightfold increase in the number of interpreters across the country.