Martin Terry, cabinet member for community safety, branded the comments "disgraceful" and defended the council's decision to seek a fully managed interpretation, translation and transcription service -- despite rising costs.
Southend Council is currently operating translation services informally but has agreed to formalise the arrangement amid growing demand. The cost is expected to rise from £130,000 in 2024/25 to £154,000 in 2025/26.
The service supports residents who do not speak English, as well as those with disabilities, including visual impairments and communication difficulties.
At a cabinet meeting on Monday, Mr Terry said the council was bound by several laws to provide the service. He said: "When people are in complex case reviews -- whether it's social care or child protection -- our officers need accuracy. Google Translate can be as little as 50 per cent accurate. This is a statutory service.
"Suggesting that families who don't speak English don't deserve equal protection is disgraceful. These are people placed in our care by His Majesty's Government -- such as Afghan families who supported our armed forces. Their children deserve the same services as anyone else."
He added: "I'm not going hold back because we can sit here and be silent on these things."
The comments came in response to Reform UK group leader Tony Cox, who argued the service was "spiralling out of control" and not legally required.
Mr Cox said: "This isn't a statutory service. We don't have to provide it. People should have equal access to services -- but that doesn't mean we should be footing the bill for translation."
However, other cabinet members stressed the service's broader importance. Lydia Hyde, cabinet member for climate, environment and waste, said the focus shouldn't just be on non-English speakers.
She said: "According to census data, only 0.9 per cent of Southend residents don't speak English as a first language.
"But 18 per cent of the city has some form of disability. This service includes Braille, British Sign Language, and transcription support for people with physical or mental limitations. That is so crucial."
The council says failing to provide accurate translation could lead to legal challenges and higher costs in the long run.