Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministerial Statement

Community Mental Health Services

19 March 2026 · 5 other contributors

Opened by Layla Moran Lib Dem Oxford West and Abingdon

Mental HealthNHS

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Layla Moran raised concerns about community mental health services in the House of Commons. A government minister responded. Other MPs also contributed.

Key points

  • Layla Moran presented a report on community mental health services in the UK.
  • The report highlighted failures in mental healthcare due to complexity and under-resourcing.
  • Moran supported the NHS England pilot programme of 24/7 neighbourhood mental health centres.

How the debate unfolded

MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.

Government Statement

Layla Moran

On behalf of the Health and Social Care Committee, Layla Moran presented a report on community mental health services in the UK. She highlighted that mental healthcare is failing many individuals due to its complexity and under-resourcing. The inquiry focused on evidence from 'experts by experience,' illustrating the need for integrated care and support in communities. Moran supported the NHS England pilot programme of 24/7 neighbourhood mental health centres, which provided holistic care with positive outcomes but expressed disappointment at the government's decision not to extend funding beyond April 2026. She also emphasised the importance of physical health checks for individuals with severe mental illness and the need for better accountability through national waiting list standards. Moran advocated for stronger support for voluntary organisations and called for a redefinition of the Mental Health Investment Standard in legislation to ensure consistent spending on mental health services. Despite acknowledging the government's intentions, she stressed that action is needed urgently.

Other contributors (5)
  • Jennifer Craft

    Question

    Will you join me in pleading with the Government to take action on the recommendation for neighbourhood mental health centres and roll them out nationwide?

  • Jennifer Craft Lab Bolton North East

    Question

    As someone with bipolar disorder and a committee member, the MP shared her personal experience to argue that neighbourhood mental health centres are necessary for effective support. She asked if the Chair agrees and urged the Government to act on this recommendation.

    Minister reply

    The Minister paid tribute to the hon. Member's story and agreed about the importance of 24/7 neighbourhood centres, noting they could be transformational but expressed concern over whether ICBs will implement them quickly without more detail.

  • Wera Hobhouse Lib Dem Bath

    Question

    The MP asked if the Committee's report covers eating disorders and urged for greater daycare centre support in communities.

    Minister reply

    The Minister acknowledged her hon. Friend's long-standing work on eating disorders, stating that while they did not cover it specifically, some centres have embedded such services. She emphasised a holistic approach to mental health care.

  • Claire Young

    Question

    Asking about delays in assessing neurodivergence and their impact on mental health, the MP asked if this was covered or should be investigated.

    Minister reply

    The Minister replied that they did a one-off report on delays in assessment for neurodiversity. She acknowledged it as a significant issue and mentioned an upcoming joint inquiry by the Health and Social Care Committee and the Education Committee to look at CAMHS, including neurodiversity.

Shadow Comment

Jennifer Craft

Jennifer Craft thanked Layla Moran for chairing the Health and Social Care Committee inquiry into community mental health services. She highlighted her own experience with bipolar disorder, which has required significant support from family and friends rather than the NHS. Craft urged the government to take action on the recommendations of the committee, particularly regarding neighbourhood mental health centres, as they could provide transformative care for individuals like herself and reduce reliance on personal networks. She called upon the Minister to personally push for the national rollout of these centres.

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