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<p>British Sign Language (BSL) users already have a well-established, free-to-access
Video Relay Service network allowing accessible communication with a range of public
services in England, including the Department for Work and Pensions, NHS providers
and Local Authorities.</p><p> </p><p>Equality legislation means that public bodies
and others have to provide services in BSL and other formats when it is reasonable
to do so and the Public Sector Equality Duty requires public bodies to have due regard
to the needs of all those with protected characteristics.</p><p> </p><p>BSL is a devolved
matter and the Scottish Parliament decided to introduce the British Sign Language
(Scotland) Act and have different arrangements to England and Wales. We are looking
at developments in Scotland including the take-up of such services to inform our thinking
for England and Wales.</p><p><strong> </strong></p><p> </p>
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