Norfolk County Council has voted to review how much it spends on translation, interpretation and foreign-language publications — and to make English the default language for its communications going forward.

The motion, proposed by Cllr Jonathan Wedon, was carried by 45 votes to 31 at the full council meeting on 22 September. It directs the Chief Executive to carry out a full review of translation and interpretation expenditure across all council departments and report back within six months.

The review must identify the total annual cost of these services, which departments incur those costs, and what savings could be made by switching to English-only communications as a standard policy.

Exceptions would remain where the law requires materials to be produced in another language. British Sign Language services would also be retained and improved under the motion.

Once the policy is in operation, the council would be required to publish the total amount spent each year on translation and interpretation services that fall within those approved exemptions.

Opponents of the motion voted against it, with 31 councillors rejecting the proposal. Critics had raised concerns during the debate, though the motion ultimately passed with a clear majority.

The council leader and cabinet will now be responsible for instructing the Chief Executive to begin the review, with findings due to be reported back to full council within six months.