Overview

This bill establishes an independent Council for Communication Support on Deafness. The Council will assess communication support provision for deaf people across the UK, identify shortcomings, and recommend improvements in policy, practice, and legislation to better support deaf individuals and their families.

Description

The bill creates the Council for Communication Support on Deafness, composed of a chair and six other members, a majority of whom must be deaf (including at least one fluent British Sign Language user). Members will be appointed by the Secretary of State after a pre-appointment hearing with the Work and Pensions Committee.

Council Objectives

• Assess language and communication support provision for deaf people (including lip-speaking, BSL, and other sign languages).
• Establish a British Sign Language Board to promote BSL usage.
• Create Accessible Language and Communications Action Plans with measurable goals.
• Form a stakeholder panel of deaf people to guide strategy implementation.
• Conduct research and recommend improvements in areas such as the availability of qualified professionals, the use of these professionals by public bodies, the recognition of BSL as an indigenous language, and the cost-effectiveness of support provision.

Funding and Accountability

The Council's budget will be determined by the Secretary of State, with funding provided by the Department of Work and Pensions. The Council will produce an annual report to be submitted to Parliament. The Secretary of State will be responsible for providing parliamentary responses to the Council's reports.

Government Spending

The bill will lead to increased government spending to fund the Council for Communication Support on Deafness. The exact amount is not specified in the bill but will be determined by the Secretary of State and approved by Parliament.

Groups Affected

• Deaf individuals and their families: The bill aims to improve communication support, potentially leading to better educational outcomes, employment opportunities, and overall quality of life.
• Public bodies and private companies: These entities will need to adapt to ensure they provide appropriate communication support to deaf service users, as recommended by the Council.
• Communication professionals: Increased demand for qualified professionals in areas such as British Sign Language interpretation and deafblind communication is anticipated.
• The Department of Work and Pensions: This department will be responsible for funding the Council and overseeing its operations.
• Parliament: Parliament will review the Council's annual reports and provide oversight.

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