House of Commons · Bill Debate
18 March 2022 · 18 other contributors
Opened by Munira Wilson Lib Dem Twickenham
Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.
Munira Wilson raised concerns about children's mental health services bill - clause on annual report to parliament on provision of mental health services in the House of Commons. Other MPs contributed to the debate.
Key points
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.
Opened the debate
The amendment proposes an annual statutory report to Parliament on children and young people’s mental health services, including data on spending and waiting times. The aim is to improve transparency, accountability, and the quality of mental health care for young people by ensuring that local service providers invest in frontline care and do not misreport their spending figures or waiting times.
Acknowledges the significant issue of delays in getting people assessed for CAMHS, impacting his case load. Seeks clarification on what can be done to recruit more mental health professionals to reduce backlogs.
Supports the focus on counselling in school environments for early intervention, citing increased anxiety among teenagers post-covid lockdowns. Emphasises the importance of addressing potential mental health issues before they escalate.
Agrees that lack of support during childhood can hold back life chances. Highlights the importance of timely intervention to prevent long-term mental health issues.
Acknowledges the devastating impact of pandemic on children's health but questions if her proposal differs from existing quarterly dashboard. Suggests local spending should reflect community priorities.
Inquires about the year-on-year increase in NHS and CCG spend since 2016, expressing hope for continued investment.
Questions whether there is a more serious problem behind the difference in spending between regions like Halton and Isle of Wight, rather than just different local priorities.
Reflects on CCG meeting investment standard in 2021-22. Questions the need for additional reporting given existing dashboard and data quality issues in Wales under former Liberal Democrat government.
Supports focus on children in crisis, citing increased A&E attendances by young people with psychiatric conditions. Asks if the Bill would provide details of how these cases are managed.
Respects the proposal but asks about holistic approach to supporting young people beyond state contributions, suggesting community and family involvement.
He expressed sympathy with the hon. Member's cause but argued against the proposed Bill, suggesting it introduces unnecessary bureaucracy and diverts focus from the child to financial reporting. He supports the Government’s Health and Care Bill reforms aimed at integrating services more effectively.
[INTERVENTION]: She challenged Chris Loder's opposition to better reporting, arguing that some level of accountability through reporting is necessary and not just bureaucracy.
[INTERVENTION]: He agreed with the need for Members of Parliament to hold health authorities accountable, supporting better reporting on child mental health services.
[INTERVENTION]: He asked Chris Loder if there were other aspects of bureaucracy that prevent the level of service needed for young people in mental health services.
[INTERVENTION]: She highlighted the need to consider how children and young people expect mental health services to be delivered, noting a preference for digital services over traditional waiting room consultations.
He supported the Bill's intention to improve transparency and accountability on children’s mental health issues. He expressed regret that there was insufficient time to take the Bill further.
He supported the Bill, highlighting the moral issue of long waiting lists for CAMHS and the need for investment in mental health services. He urged the hon. Lady to keep pushing for improvements.
I am grateful to have been called for the third time, but with nine seconds to go. I am very short of time—
Order. The House has been deprived, I am sure, of a great speech. The debate stood adjourned (Standing Order No. 11(2)). Ordered, That the debate be resumed on Friday 6 May.