The delay to the plan, which was initially pledged by then Prime Minister Boris Johnson in November 2021, was announced on Thursday by the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Public Health and Prevention, Ashley Dalton MP, during a Westminster debate on brain injury.
Sir John Hayes MP, a Headway Parliamentary Champion, secured the debate, providing a welcome opportunity to highlight the urgent challenges facing brain injury survivors and local Headway charities.
The government’s continued commitment to brain injury is welcome, but the further delay to meaningful action that was promised more than four years is deeply disappointing. Brain injury survivors and local Headway charities need urgent support now.
Minister Ashley Dalton confirmed the delay during the debate, stating that: “In the coming months, in the first half of next year, I confirm that we will publish the acquired brain injury action plan.”
This follows an earlier commitment for the end of 2025 and a more recent intention of ‘early 2026’.
Each delay will cause frustration for brain injury survivors, family members and carers, as well placing unnecessary strain on local Headway charities, which are already working under significant pressure to provide lifeline services.
During the debate, MPs from different parties raised concerns about the delay, and its impact on survivors, with MPs urging the Government to publish its plan.
Headway UK’s Chief Executive, Luke Griggs, said: “It’s hugely disappointing that the Government is delaying the ABI Action Plan yet again, given the urgent need for a joined-up strategy that prioritises brain injury survivors and the services that support them.
“While we welcome the recognition of dedicated local Headway charities and branches in the debate, the Government must deliver on its promises to ensure survivors get appropriate, tailored support from all Government departments.
“We recognise the Minister’s dedication to getting the Action Plan right. Successive Governments have had plenty of time to publish and implement a meaningful strategy, based on the comprehensive feedback and evidence provided by people affected by brain injury and charities such as Headway that support them.
“But after four years of waiting, it is fair to say that brain injury survivors and carers deserve more. They deserve the Government’s pledges to be backed up with meaningful action.
“We look forward to a comprehensive and transformative ABI Action Plan being published as early as possible in 2026.”
Praise for local Headway charities and volunteers
The debate also highlighted just how important local Headway charities and volunteer-led branches are to people living with a brain injury. MPs from various parties spoke warmly about the support offered by services included those provided by their local charities.
Shadow Health Minister Dr Caroline Johnson shared her recent experience visiting Headway Lincolnshire, where she heard about the challenges of providing neurorehabilitation in rural areas. While one of our Parliamentary Champions Wendy Chamberlain MP praised the efforts of volunteers at the Headway North East Fife branch.
Headway Bath was also commended for delivering specialist respite, cognitive rehabilitation, and comprehensive support to adults living with acquired brain injuries, as well as their families and carers. And Headway Sussex was praised for its partnership with Carers Support West Sussex, supporting those who care for ABI survivors.
These comments all show the difference local Headways make every day in their communities.
Headway services under financial threat
Financial pressures facing local Headway charities were a recurring theme in the debate, with seven charity closures in the last three years, as well as three volunteer-led branch closures.
Alison Bennett MP warned: “Each closure represents a community losing vital expertise and support”, while Sir John asked the Minister to consider exemptions from employer National Insurance contributions.
These closures further show the urgent need for a comprehensive action plan to deliver for local Headway services and individuals living with ABI.
MPs also spoke of research by Headway UK, evidencing the need for a cross-departmental strategy. We welcome Sir John highlighting that nine out of 10 people with a brain injury cite societal misunderstanding as a major obstacle in navigating life with a hidden disability from our ABI Week 2025 campaign. While Alison Bennett MP highlighted that recent 'When Funding Fails' report shows that delays in receiving payments from local authorities and ICBs have had severe impacts on local brain injury services.
The Government must act now
Despite cross-party pressure, the debate’s only new developments were the Minister’s revised ABI Action Plan timeline, as well as specific detail on the various departments she’s communicated with as part of her cross-departmental approach.
Headway UK thanks Sir John and supporting MPs for bringing this debate forward. While it was positive to see key issues raised including calls for better data collection and access, as well as a right to rehabilitation, we remain frustrated about delays to the ABI Action Plan and the impact of National Insurance Contributions on local Headway charities.
The Government must act and bring forward its ABI Action Plan now support brain injury survivors and services in desperate need of support.
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