Languages: interpreting and translation

Get an interpreter or translator to help you communicate with the council in your language.

Translate this page with Google Translate.

Phone interpreting

If you do not know enough English to talk about your enquiry, you can ask for an interpreter when you phone us.

  1. Call 0113 222 4444 (Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm, except Wednesdays when lines open at 10am).
  2. Say "operator" to be connected with the operator. (How to pronounce "operator" External link.)
  3. Tell the operator you need an interpreter and which language you speak.
  4. The operator will ask an interpreter to join the call so you can all have a conversation about your enquiry.

You can also phone the council department you need and request an interpreter on the call. 

If you need sign language interpreting you can call us using British Sign Language (BSL) video calling.

Face to face interpreting

To request an interpreter, ask the council staff who deal with your enquiry or appointment. They can arrange an interpreter for you.

We recommend all parties attending an appointment take sensible safety and hygiene measures to help reduce the risk of spreading an infection. This includes wearing a face mask or face shield in enclosed environments, in health care settings and when requested to do so. If you are exempt from wearing a face mask or shield, please wear the appropriate sunflower lanyard.

We can only provide interpreting for:

Document translation

You can pay for a translation of any document using Panacea.

You will need to request a Panacea account External site. You will get an email with instructions on how to finish creating your account.

To place an order:

  1. Log in to Panacea External link.
  2. Select Translation and Interpreting, Translation then Translate from English (single language).
  3. Enter your document word count and language to get a cost estimate.
  4. Upload the document, add to basket, and submit your request.
  5. When the translation is finished, you will get an email notification and an invoice with instructions on how to pay.

Website translation

You can view most of our website in other languages using Google Translate. Open Google Translate External link.

Translate this page with Google

Help to learn English

Find free English classes in Leeds on the Learning English in Yorkshire website External link.


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