16 September 2026
Ahead of the Budget on 28 October, the Invest in SLT campaign is calling on people to email the Prime Minister, Andy Burnham, asking him to ensure that investing in speech and language therapy is made a priority by the Treasury.
The call follows a letter the campaign sent the Prime Minister over the summer, reminding him of his pledge to work with us to tackle the issues affecting access to speech and language therapy.
The RCSLT have also made a submission to the Budget consultation highlighting the need for improved investment in speech and language therapy to:
- address workforce shortages and ensure there are enough speech and language therapists to meet demand;
- improve access to services and reduce inequalities across the country;
- reduce waiting times for people who need support; and
- deliver better outcomes for children, adults and their families, while reducing pressure on the NHS and other public services.
This investment would not only help people of all ages access the speech and language therapy they and their families require, it would also allow SLTs to fulfil their crucial preventative role and train the wider workforce across education, health, social care, and justice, in recognising and knowing how to respond to communication and/or swallowing needs.
Earlier this month we asked people to support an amendment to the Health Bill (NC117) which highlighted the need for greater access to speech and language therapy. Over 550 people used the e-action to contact their MPs ahead of the debate.
You can continue to help us highlight the need for improved investment in speech and language therapy by emailing the Prime Minister directly using the new e-action we have set up ahead of the Budget. Your voice is invaluable in demonstrating the importance of speech and language therapy, how it can transform lives, and why investment in it should be improved.
