THE case of a Gwent family who are facing shelling out thousands of pounds for sign language lessons so they can communicate with their deaf baby daughter has been raised in the Assembly.

Earlier this month the Argus reported Ros and Josh Hannam, of Caldicot, whose daughter Lola was born deaf, were facing having to pay £6,000 for British Sign Language (BSL) classes.

Monmouth AM Nick Ramsay raised the issue in the Assembly this week.

Addressing first minister Mark Drakeford, the Conservative AM said: "I'm sure you're aware of the recent news story that Ros and Josh Hannam from Monmouthshire are having to pay £6,000 for sign language classes to help communicate with their deaf daughter, Lola.

"The couple have received funding through the local authority's sensory and communication service, but are having to fundraise to make up the shortfall themselves - valuable time that would otherwise be spent with their daughter.

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Young parents from Monmouthshire will have to pay £6,000 to learn how to communicate with deaf daughter

"Debbie Thomas from the National Deaf Children's Society has said that parents of deaf children currently face a postcode lottery when it comes to funding for these sign language classes that are so crucial to helping their social and educational development.

"Can I ask that the Welsh Government's review - because I know you've committed to one - of the BSL funding takes place as swiftly as possible so that all deaf children, regardless of where they live, get the best possible start in life?"

South Wales Argus:

Monmouth AM Nick Ramsay

Responding, Mr Drakeford said work on the review was expected to be carried out between May and March, and it would report back by the end of June.

"I think that is a pretty rapid turnaround for a very important piece of work," he said.

Saying responsibility for the services lies with local authorities, the first minister added: "I have seen figures that show a very wide range of charges that are imposed by different local authorities in Wales, and the point of the review is to try to make sure that we have a service that is fair, equitable and co-ordinated, and where people don't feel that they are at the mercy of the geography of where they happen to live."

South Wales Argus:

First minister Mark Drakeford

The Welsh Assembly recognised BSL as an official language in 2004.

Mr and Mrs Hannam have arranged a concert at Newport's Dolman Theatre on Saturday, March 9, with proceeds to be used to pay for BSL classes for families who cannot afford them.

Some proceeds will also go to charities for deaf children.

For tickets, visit dolmantheatre.co.uk