Increased Funding Allocated for Wiltshire Speech and Language Therapy

Speech and language therapy services operating within Wiltshire schools and early years settings are slated to receive an increase in funding. Over the next two years, more than £2.2 million will be invested into Wiltshire Council’s services to address a growing demand and provide assistance for individuals with communication difficulties. Councillor Jane Davies stated that the council is managing “increasing numbers of cases,” which have risen by 1,058 between 2020 and 2023. She affirmed, “This investment ensures that children and young people… can access support when and where they need it most.” Davies further commented, “Families and children deserve a service that meets their needs without requiring them to retell their story repeatedly.” She concluded, “This commitment reflects our dedication to providing the right services at the right time.” Davies indicated that the council intends to commission a service separately from the Bath and North East Somerset, Swindon and Wiltshire Integrated Care Board, with the goal of ensuring enhanced oversight and clarity. Among the primary objectives is the recruitment of a qualified speech and language leader to address children’s needs as early as possible, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.