Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what assessment he has made of the potential implications for her policies of the length of Speech and Language waiting lists.

We recognise the impact that long waits to access speech and language therapy can have on the individual, and their families and carers. The Department and NHS England are committed to reducing long waits and improving timely access to community health services, including speech and language therapy.

We continue to improve access to speech and language therapy by including the Early Language and Support for Every Child pathfinder project within the Department for Educations’ existing Change Programme, in partnership with NHS England.

It is the responsibility of integrated care boards to make available appropriate provision to meet the health and care needs of their local population.