Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

NHS Mental Health Services

Tuesday 23 July 2024 · 6 questions

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

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 1 Partly answered 5 Not answered 0

Key points

  • More than a million people with mental health issues are not getting the support they need.
  • The Government will recruit 8,500 mental health workers, including specialists in every school and young futures hubs in every community.
  • The Minister offered to meet Mohammad Yasin to discuss urgently needed mental health facilities in Bedford.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Tim Roca Lab Macclesfield
NHS Mental Health
Context

The MP noted the inadequacy of access to NHS mental health services.

Question

What assessment has been made of the adequacy of access to NHS mental health services?

Answer from Stephen Kinnock

More than a million people with mental health issues are not getting the support they need. The Government will recruit 8,500 mental health workers, including specialists in every school and young futures hubs in every community. Legislation to modernise the Mental Health Act 1983 is being brought forward.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not specifically address the adequacy of current access issues

How: Talks About Future Commitments

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Q2 Mohammad Yasin Lab Bedford
Mental Health
Context

Funding for mental health services in Bedford has been held back due to capital expenditure limits.

Question

Will the Minister meet me to discuss a way forward to get urgently needed mental health facilities back in Bedford?

Answer from Stephen Kinnock

I would be pleased to meet him so that we can discuss this matter in greater detail.

Answered
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Q3 Tim Roca Lab Macclesfield
NHS Mental Health
Context

The Prime Minister has emphasized evidence-based policies, but figures for elective care remain incomplete.

Question

Does the Minister agree that comprehensive data is crucial for serving patients effectively?

Answer from Stephen Kinnock

I am absolutely on board with what my hon. Friend says, and I would be more than happy to discuss it with him further at his convenience.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not address the importance of comprehensive data directly

How: Agrees In Principle But Does Not Commit

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Q4 Richard Holden Con Basildon and Billericay
NHS Mental Health
Context

Since 2018, £4.7 billion extra has been allocated to mental health services.

Question

Will the Government commit to increasing the proportion of funding towards mental health services in future years?

Answer from Stephen Kinnock

We have a plan, with 8,500 more mental health workers, young futures walk-in hubs, specialist support for young people, and legislation to deal with severe conditions. That is a plan of action.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not commit to future funding increases specifically

How: Talks About Current Commitments

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Q5 Sarah Dyke Lib Dem Glastonbury and Somerton
NHS Agriculture & Rural Affairs Mental Health
Context

Farming communities face rising mental health pressures, with 95% of farmers under 40 agreeing poor mental health is a hidden problem.

Question

Will the Minister work with colleagues in DEFRA to improve access to NHS mental health services in rural areas?

Answer from Stephen Kinnock

We are indeed looking at that issue through our 10-year plan for the future vision of our health service. We will work seriously with colleagues in DEFRA to address it.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not provide a specific commitment or timeline

How: Agrees But Does Not Specify

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Q6 Ben Spencer Con Runnymede and Weybridge
Mental Health
Context

The questioner is a former psychiatrist and member of the Wessely review on the Mental Health Act.

Question

Does the Minister intend to make changes to the code of practice to the Mental Health Act now?

Answer from Stephen Kinnock

We remain open to looking at any solution or reform that will help address this extremely important issue, but first steps will be seeing the legislative process moving forward.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not provide a specific plan for non-statutory changes

How: Agrees To Look At Reforms

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