Thursday 31 August 2017

FOI Requests

FOI Requests






FOI Request: Payments to thebigword for provision of language services

https://www.whatdotheyknow.com/request/payments_to_thebigword_for_provi_2#incoming-1029457 
30th August 2017

FOI Request: Payments to thebigword for provision of language services

How much has been spent on translators at Taunton Crown Court and Taunton Magistrates' Court

http://www.somersetcountygazette.co.uk/news/15507903.How_much_tax_payers_have_paid_for_translators_in_Taunton_courts/


How much has been spent on translators at Taunton Crown Court and Taunton Magistrates' Court
More than £50,000 was spent on translators across two courts of law in Taunton over the last two years.
In total, £55,883.23 was spent on interpreters in Taunton Crown Court and magistrates' court from May 2015 until June 2017.
Providing the service is a legal requirement for the courts, regardless of what language is spoken.
In the 2015-16 financial year, £7,934.19 was spent at Taunton Crown Court, and £16,400.14 in the magistrates' court.
During the 2016-17 financial year, £8,649.67 was spent in crown court, and £14, 365.04 was spent at magistrates' court providing the interpreters. 
Up until June this financial year, £2,344.19 has been spent at Taunton's crown court, and £6,193 in the magistrates' court.
A Ministry of Justice spokesman said: "We are legally obliged to provide language services and have replaced the old system with a more efficient and cost-effective service. This has saved the taxpayer £48 million since 2011.
"Regardless of the language required, HMCTS has a legal obligation to provide language services to defendants in all criminal cases and immigration and asylum tribunals and some mental health tribunals, or at direction by the judiciary, to ensure the provision of an effective and efficient court system.
"Historically, the previous system where interpreters were booked by individual courts was costly and inefficient. Since we replaced this system in 2011 complaints are low and we have saved taxpayer money."
Until October 2016, the service was provided by Capita TI, and the current suppliers are thebigword and Clarion.

Monday 21 August 2017

"sentencing adjourned due to the lack of an interpreter"

http://www.hertfordshiremercury.co.uk/woman-sexually-assaulted-on-her-way-home-from-night-out-by-taxi-driver-in-rickmansworth/story-30490227-detail/story.html 
August 21, 2017

[…] However Al-Moomen's sentencing was adjourned due to the lack of an interpreter.
Chris Sykes, defending, said that it was 'unsatisfactory' for Al-Moomen not to have an Arabic interpreter present, as he did during his trial.
Chairman of the bench, Mick Dennis, addressing Al-Moomen, said: "I know you have difficulty with English.
"I know you hoped this would be finished today and I apologise for that.
"It is a serious matter, it is possible you would go to prison or go to a court with more power.
"It is important you understand everything and we cannot do that without an interpreter."
Al-Moomen was granted bail and the case has been adjourned until Tuesday, August 29.