VerbatimParliament, as it happens

Mental Illness

Asked by Dr Ben SpencerConservativeDepartment of Health and Social CareTabled Answered 25 September 2024UIN 4933

The question

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, whether he plans to publish a mental ill health strategy.

Answered by Stephen Kinnock

The Department has no plans to publish a mental ill health strategy. We will fix the broken system to ensure that we give mental health the same attention and focus as physical health, and that people can be confident in accessing high quality mental health support when they need it.

As part of our mission to build a National Health Service that is fit for the future and that is there when people need it, this Government will recruit an additional 8,500 mental health workers to reduce delays and provide faster treatment, which will also help ease pressure on the busy mental health services. We will also introduce a specialist mental health professional in every school in England and roll out Young Futures hubs in every community.

The Mental Health Bill announced in the King’s Speech will deliver the Government’s manifesto commitment to modernise the Mental Health Act 1983. It will give patients greater choice, autonomy, enhanced rights and support, and ensure everyone is treated with dignity and respect throughout treatment.

Verbatim has judged this answer against the question that was actually asked — answered, partly answered, or evaded. Sign in to see the verdict →

Open this question in Verbatim →

Every written question, searchable

155,000 questions tabled since the election, with the answer each department gave — and the ones still unanswered, with the clock running. Free to search.

Search written questions →Read on Verbatim