A deaf society welcomed Brent Council’s decision to adopt a British Sign Language (BSL) charter that will create “equal access to council services”.

Asif Iqbal, president of Harrow and Brent United Deaf Club, said the charter will open doors for many deaf residents in the region and ensure they do not miss out on key information.

Brent Council signed a commitment on Wednesday (January 27) to help overcome issues faced by the deaf community.

This includes ensuring they have access to all information and services, supporting deaf children and families, and promoting BSL.

Mr Iqbal said: “I am pleased that we have worked closely with Brent Council to develop a BSL charter and ensuring that our local deaf residents have equal access to local council services.

“The council has demonstrated a good example of committing to BSL charter by providing deaf awareness training and BSL courses to staff; and provided accessible information, including BSL video with subtitles inviting deaf residents to take part of the council’s equality consultation.”

Mr Iqbal added there was a clear commitment to ensuring deaf residents had access to events as part of Brent’s celebrations as the London Borough of Culture for 2020.

Cllr Muhammed Butt, leader of Brent Council, said the charter is the latest example of ensuring council services are accessible to everyone.

He said: “We want all our residents in Brent to thrive and this means working closely with different communities and listening to what they want and need from us in order to shine and thrive in our borough.”