Treasury written question – answered at on 4 June 2013.
To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what assessment he has made of the equality of access available for deaf people whose first language is British Sign Language in terms of communicating with (a) HM Revenue and Customs officials and (b) his Department's executive agencies and the non-departmental public bodies for which he is responsible; and if he will make a statement.
HM Revenue and Customs offers a range of contact channels for deaf people. Those whose first language is British Sign can ask HM Revenue and Customs officials to provide a sign language interpreter to help deal with their tax and benefits issues. An interpreter can also make a telephone call to HM Revenue and Customs help lines on their behalf.
Text-based communication is also possible, through written letters and textphone services including text relay. Along with all our customers, deaf people can also appoint an agent to act on their behalf.
The UK Debt Management Office, an executive agency of HM Treasury, provides post and e-mail contact details on the ‘contact us' page of its website, and would consider on a case-by-case basis any request for information to be provided in an alternative format in order to ensure equality of access.
Other non-departmental public bodies for which HMT is responsible will consider access requests as required.
Yes0 people think so
No1 person thinks not
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