COUNCIL chiefs have been accused by the government of translating too many signs and documents into foreign languages.

Ministers are concerned about the cost of translation into more than 10 languages to council taxpayers - around £100m a year.

Communities Secretary and Salford MP Hazel Blears said that having materials converted into other tongues discouraged some people in Britain from learning English.

"While there may be some cases where translation is appropriate, public bodies should have common sense strategies in place," said Ms Blears.

"Speaking English is the greatest asset you can possess to get a better job, get involved in your community and to do well for yourself and your family.

"Translation can never be a substitute for learning English."

Guidance

The government will now send out guidance to all public bodies, including the NHS, the police, the courts and government departments.

The government says some councils wrongly believe they have a legal duty to translate all material they publish under the Race Relations Act.

But this has led some `bizarre' decisions, including translating leaflets into languages which are not spoken in the local area, annual reports in more than 10 languages when few people bought them and translating routine road signs into Polish.

This year, Transport Secretary Ruth Kelly, MP for Bolton West, questioned the use of street signs in Polish.

"The presumption should not be geared towards translation - it should be towards helping them learn the host language," said Ms Kelly.

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