New health minister must deliver for brain injury survivors

Headway UK Chief Executive Luke Griggs has written to James Frith MP, the Government's newly appointed Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Health Innovation, urging him to strengthen and publish the long-awaited Acquired Brain Injury (ABI) Action Plan so that it delivers lasting improvements for people affected by brain injury.

Frith’s appointment follows the change in prime minister last month, and marks the fourth minister in the role since the 2024 UK General Election.

Our letter comes after a series of missed publication deadlines for the Action Plan, most recently the end of June.

Luke wrote:

It is now essential that an ABI Action Plan is published without further delay. People affected by brain injury and the charities that support them are fast losing faith in the promises made – promises that brain injury would finally be given the attention by government that it deserves.

He also wrote: “While recent ABI Action Plan drafts contain some positive commitments, we remain concerned that stronger action is needed on implementation, accountability and funding if the plan is to drive real change.”

The letter calls for an Action Plan that delivers real improvements for brain injury survivors while recognising the essential contribution of local Headway charities. It argues that the Government must do more to support the community-based rehabilitation and support services provided by the charity sector.

It also calls on Minister Frith to raise with Treasury colleagues the impact of the increase in employer National Insurance contributions on local Headway charities, following Headway UK's letter to the Chancellor of the Exchequer on the issue last month.

We will continue to press the Government to publish its action plan, invest in community-based rehabilitation services, and support the vital role local Headway charities play in improving the lives of those affected by brain injury.