Written Question · S4W-04010 · Session 4
What its position is on Argyll and Bute Council's proposed (a) 20% reduction in adult learning service speech and language therapy budgets …
The question
To ask the Scottish Executive what its position is on Argyll and Bute Council's proposed (a) 20% reduction in adult learning service speech and language therapy budgets and (b) 50% reduction in funding for speech and language therapy for children and young people.
The answer
The speech and language therapy service in Argyll and Bute is jointly funded by NHS Highland and Argyll and Bute Council.
I understand that the council have discussed these proposed budget cuts with NHS Highland and have agreed to continue the current arrangements for these services in 2012-13 while a re-design of the service is developed and consulted on.
Funding for local authorities to purchase speech and language therapy is provided to local authorities by means of a block grant from Scottish Government. It is the responsibility of each local authority, as independent corporate bodies, to allocate the total financial resources available to it on the basis of local needs and priorities having first fulfilled its statutory obligations and the jointly agreed set of national and local priorities including the Scottish Government’s key strategic objectives.
I understand that the council have discussed these proposed budget cuts with NHS Highland and have agreed to continue the current arrangements for these services in 2012-13 while a re-design of the service is developed and consulted on.
Funding for local authorities to purchase speech and language therapy is provided to local authorities by means of a block grant from Scottish Government. It is the responsibility of each local authority, as independent corporate bodies, to allocate the total financial resources available to it on the basis of local needs and priorities having first fulfilled its statutory obligations and the jointly agreed set of national and local priorities including the Scottish Government’s key strategic objectives.
In the Official Report
No contribution in the Official Report cites S4W-04010 by reference.