Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

ADHD Services

Tuesday 13 January 2026 · 2 questions

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

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 0 Partly answered 2 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Minister committed to improving access to ADHD services through the medium-term planning framework.
  • Minister expressed willingness to meet the all-party parliament group on ADHD to discuss support for individuals with ADHD.
  • Concern raised about lack of specific funding for ADHD and autism in child and adolescent mental health services in south Cumbria.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Jo Platt Labour (Co-op) Leigh and Atherton
Education
Context

ADHD providers estimate untreated ADHD could cost the UK economy £11.2 billion over the next decade due to impacts on justice, employment, education, and health.

Question

I declare an interest as chair of the all-party parliament group on ADHD. Providers estimate that untreated ADHD could cost the economy £11.2 billion over the next decade. Will the Minister commit to ensuring people with ADHD receive the support they need to succeed? Will she work with the APPG to develop strategies helping individuals reach their full potential?

Answer from The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Health and Social Care (Ashley Dalton)

Through the medium-term planning framework published in October 2025, we set out expectations for improving access to ADHD services. We will continue to work with trusts to ensure people with ADHD or suspected ADHD receive support. I am more than happy to meet the APPG to discuss these matters further.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The Minister did not provide a direct commitment to ensure adequate support for individuals with ADHD beyond referencing existing frameworks and expressing willingness to work with the APPG.

Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)

Q2 Tim Farron Lib Dem Westmorland and Lonsdale
Mental Health Children & Families
Context

In south Cumbria, approximately half of the young people on child and adolescent mental health services have ADHD or autism, but the integrated care board provides no funding specifically to address these conditions.

Question

Roughly 50% of young people receiving child and adolescent mental health services in south Cumbria have ADHD or autism. The ICB provides no specific funding for this group, placing a burden on families and delaying treatment for other conditions such as eating disorders. Will the Minister pay personal attention to ensure proper support through CAMHS?

Answer from The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Health and Social Care (Ashley Dalton)

As this ICB affects my constituency too, I am concerned. This issue will be explored as part of the review; I am willing to ask the responsible Minister to contact the hon. Gentleman regarding how we can advance this matter.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The Minister did not provide a direct commitment or timeline for addressing the lack of specific funding for ADHD and autism but expressed willingness to explore solutions through ongoing reviews.

Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)