Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Counsellors and Psychotherapists

Tuesday 7 January 2025 · 1 question

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Key points

  • Sir Desmond Swayne asked about the plan to maintain service provision for psychotherapists and counsellors affected by cost increases due to the national insurance rise.
  • The response mentioned a pattern where Opposition Members welcome Government investment but oppose the revenue-raising measures.
  • The Secretary of State has stated that the Opposition has not set out alternative measures to address the issue.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Desmond Swayne Con New Forest West
NHS Mental Health
Context

The MP inquires about plans to maintain service provision for psychotherapists and counsellors affected by cost increases due to national insurance hikes.

Question

Is there a plan to maintain service provision where psychotherapists and counsellors operating in the charity sector have been hit by eye-watering cost increases as a consequence of the national insurance increase?

Answer from The Minister for Care (Stephen Kinnock)

As I have said in answers to previous questions, and as my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State has said, there is something of a pattern emerging here: Opposition Members say that they welcome the investment the Government have made, but oppose the revenue-raising measures and refuse to set out whether they would increase taxes or cut services.

Not addressed: The question about maintaining service provision for affected psychotherapists and counsellors was not addressed. Instead, the minister criticised the opposition's stance on tax increases.

How: Changed Subject, Criticised Opposition

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