From Monday, 5 October 2026, new Ministry of Justice contracts for the provision of language services in UK courts and tribunals have come into force. The agreements aim to improve the quality of services provided by Her Majesty's Courts and Tribunals Service (HMCTS), which is responsible for organising judicial proceedings across the country. The new contracts are designed to make interpreting and language support services more consistent, reliable and accessible to participants in legal proceedings, including claimants, defendants, witnesses and other persons requiring language assistance. This is particularly important for people who do not have sufficient command of the English language, as well as for those who use sign language or require other forms of communication support. The Ministry of Justice expects that the updated contract system will eliminate previous shortcomings in the organisation of interpreting services, which had previously drawn criticism from judges, solicitors and legal proceedings participants. Improving the quality and accessibility of such services is regarded as part of broader efforts to ensure fair and equal access to justice for all citizens, regardless of language barriers. The reform is expected to affect courts and tribunals throughout England and Wales, where HMCTS operates. Details of the new agreements, including the selected service providers and quality control mechanisms, are being disclosed gradually as the changes are implemented in judicial practice.