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<p>On 20 June 2019, the government released a joint ministerial letter responding
to the ‘Bercow: Ten Years On’ first anniversary update report. The letter reaffirmed
our commitment to supporting more effective commissioning of communication support.</p><p>The
NHS long-term plan recognises the importance of speech and language therapists (SLTs)
and proposes that local areas design and implement models of care that are age appropriate,
closer to home and bring together physical and mental health services.</p><p>Our national
workforce group for allied health professionals (AHPs) will be making specific recommendations,
in particular for those professionals in short supply, such as SLTs. The chief allied
health professions officer will further develop the national AHP strategy into action
to focus on the delivery of the NHS long-term plan.</p><p>We are aware of the concerns
about the adequacy of funding for children and young people with special educational
needs and disabilities (SEND) in England, including those with speech, language and
communication needs. On 3 May 2019, my right hon. Friend, the Secretary of State for
Education announced a call for evidence from schools, colleges and local authorities
to consider how the SEND and alternative provision financial arrangements in England
could be improved. The call for evidence is attached and can be accessed at the following
link: <a href="https://consult.education.gov.uk/funding-policy-unit/funding-for-send-and-those-who-need-ap-call-for-ev/"
target="_blank">https://consult.education.gov.uk/funding-policy-unit/funding-for-send-and-those-who-need-ap-call-for-ev/</a>.</p><p>
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