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Children's Mental Health Services Bill - Clause on annual report to Parliament on provision of mental health services
18 March 2022
Lead MP
Munira Wilson
Debate Type
Bill Debate
Tags
NHSStandards & EthicsMental Health
Other Contributors: 18
At a Glance
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.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Lead Contributor
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.
Jerome Mayhew
Con
Broadland and Fakenham
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.
Christine Jardine
Lib Dem
Edinburgh West
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.
Alicia Kearns
Con
Rutland and Stamford
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.
Jerome Mayhew
Con
Broadland and Fakenham
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.
Kerry McCarthy
Lab
Bristol East
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.
Chris Loder
Con
West Dorset
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.
Munira Wilson
Lib Dem
Twickenham
[INTERVENTION]: She challenged Chris Loder's opposition to better reporting, arguing that some level of accountability through reporting is necessary and not just bureaucracy.
Peter Gibson
Ind
Henderson
[INTERVENTION]: He agreed with the need for Members of Parliament to hold health authorities accountable, supporting better reporting on child mental health services.
Simon Baynes
Con
Hastings and Rye
[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.
Julie Marson
Ind
West Bromwich West
[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.
Andrew Gwynne
Ind
Gorton
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.
James Sunderland
Labour Co-operative
Workington
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—
Nigel Evans
Constitutional
Accrington
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.
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