To ask the Minister of Health (i) why the rate of pay for NHS interpreters has not increased since 2006; and (ii) whether his Department will consider increasing the rate of pay in line with the annual Consumer Price Index.

Face-to-face spoken language interpreters are independent self-employed contractors who are not employed by the Health and Social Care (HSC) service but are paid for their service through the Business Services Organisation (BSO) at an agreed rate.

HSC Interpreters must be registered with BSO and adhere to the HSC Terms of Engagement. This stipulates an hourly rate of pay as well as a preparation payment.

(i)The Department is aware that pay has not increased for a number of years and the impact this is having on the valuable service that interpreters provide. You will, however, be aware of the significant financial constraints within the wider Health Service and the challenge that poses to increase interpreters’ pay rates.

(ii)There has been a number of correspondences to my office regarding this issue. As a result, I have asked the Strategic Planning and Performance Group to review the hourly rate of pay and the preparation fee for interpreters.

I will endeavour to do the best I can to come to a suitable resolution.