Deaf people will be able to sign with council workers through live webcams in a UK first.

Residents will get instant answers to queries, without having to make an appointment, under the Significan’t UK system.

Deputy council leader councillor Ruth Dombey said Sutton was believed to be the first to use the technology.

She said: “I am delighted that we are launching this excellent service which will benefit hundreds of local people and hope this will pave the way for other councils and organisations around the world to follow suit.”

There are around 250 deaf people in Sutton and one in seven people in Britain are deaf or have a hearing loss.

The system uses British Sign Language interpreters and works by clicking a link on the Sutton Council website.

Sarah Murray, Director of Communications at the British Deaf Association, said: “We feel that this is a positive step forward in improving access.

“We hope that other councils and organisations will follow their lead in a bid to provide equal access to services for Deaf BSL users.”