Safe Housing and Hospital Discharge

Baroness Warwick of Undercliffe Excerpts

Wednesday 19th March 2025 Lords Chamber

[Baroness Merron (Lab)]

As the noble Baroness will be aware, this Government want to see provision and decision-making directed by local leaders. She and the House will be aware of the financial situation which we have inherited. I reiterate what I said about the £9 billion committed to the better care fund, which includes £5.6 billion to integrated care boards and around £3.3 billion to local authorities.

[Baroness Warwick of Undercliffe (Lab)]

My Lords, 73% of delayed discharges from mental health hospitals are due to a lack of appropriate supported housing step-down services. With bed occupancy rates of 94%, the increasing pressure is driving up the inappropriate use of out-of-area placements. What plans do the Government have to ensure that there is enough supported housing to meet the demand for step-down services?

[Baroness Merron (Lab)]

My noble friend made particular reference to mental health care. She will be aware of the discussions that took place at Second Reading and in Committee on the Mental Health Bill. I am sure we can all agree that an out-of-area placement is not ideal, although there are some circumstances in which it has to be the case. In the progress of that Bill, we will be attending to the point that she makes. I agree with her that the delays attributed to housing are significantly higher, at 17% for patients who are discharged from mental health settings. This remains a challenge that we are focused on.