House of Commons · Westminster Hall
27 January 2025 · 11 other contributors · 14,422 words
Opened by Dave Robertson Lab Lichfield
Responding minister: Stephen Kinnock
Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.
Dave Robertson raised concerns about speech and language therapy in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.
Key points
Key requests to Government
The Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists recommends four sessions a week for conditions like Mikey's, but the current provision is insufficient. There is a need to address social justice issues related to access to therapy, especially in deprived areas where up to half of primary school children have communication needs.
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.
Opened the debate
Communication is fundamental for everyone but particularly challenging for those with speech and language difficulties. Mikey, who created the petition, received one hour of therapy a week and his confidence has grown, but he feels lucky. More than 23,500 adults and over 67,000 children are on waiting lists for therapy. In deprived areas, up to half of primary school children have speech, language and communication needs.
Thanked all Members for their contributions, highlighting the importance of early intervention and raising awareness around aphasia.
He emphasised the importance of early language development and investment in services to support children with special educational needs, noting that funding cuts have led to significant reductions in universal programmes. In Stoke-on-Trent, an average of 269 children are allocated to a single therapist's caseload.
Congratulates Mikey Akers and Dave Robertson, highlighting the wide range of skills speech and language therapists have. Mentions personal experience with family members and children in her constituency.
Tributes Mikey Akers for his work and highlights the importance of speech and language therapy, noting that about 350,000 people in the UK have aphasia. Calls for better recognition of communication rights and for addressing the overstretching of therapists.
Stressed the importance of timely speech and language therapy access, highlighting a personal experience. Raised concerns about shortages leading to long waiting lists.
The MP thanked the Minister for giving way and shared her father's experience with stroke recovery, emphasizing the importance of speech and language therapy in enabling him to challenge ideas and contribute.
The hon. Member acknowledges Mikey Akers' petition for raising awareness of verbal dyspraxia, highlighting the lack of knowledge and support available to those affected by it.
Praised Mikey's efforts in advocating for speech therapy improvements and acknowledged the long-term commitment needed for change, expressing hope for tangible results from his advocacy work.
Emphasized that speech therapy is crucial for both children and adults, highlighting long-term impacts on mental health, academic success, employment, and relationships. Called for urgent action to address the crisis with increased investment and improved workforce planning.
Thanked his hon. Friend for her example of personal experience and paid tribute to those in community care services. The Minister for Care outlined the complicated funding scenario that currently exists for speech and language therapy, along with the Government’s future plans.
Over 10,000 signatures were secured on Mikey Akers' petition in just 16 days. More than 64,000 children are waiting for speech and language therapy services in England. Wolverhampton North East constituents face unacceptable delays and limited access to these vital services.
Government Response
Stephen KinnockThe Minister for Care
The Minister thanked the lead MP for his introduction and expressed gratitude for sharing personal experiences. He acknowledged the compelling accounts about access to speech and language therapy for both children and adults, highlighting the importance of such interventions.