Translator for foreign office

My brother finally has his appointment at the foreign office tomorrow. He has been accepted and has an Irish passport so he just takes his original documents and leaves with his card. He's just told me that the company he's paid to file his paperwork aren't attending with him as translators are no longer allowed and he has to go alone?? Is this true?? I've attended the foreign office for an NIE number last year and then again for Residencia appointments and I think he's going to really struggle without a translator. He's never been. He speaks very basic Spanish.