Mental Health Act 1983

Lord Allan of Hallam Excerpts

Tuesday 21st November 2023 Lords Chamber

[Lord Markham (Con)]

The noble Baroness is absolutely correct. With the mental health units to detect problems early, we are now at around 35%; last year it was only 25% but in the next 18 months or so we should be at 50%, which is higher than ever before. I freely accept that 50% is not 100% but it is clearly a step in the right direction. The £2.3 billion investment we are putting in means 350,000 extra places for young people as well.

[Lord Allan of Hallam (LD)]

The Government keep telling us that they plan to take other measures to improve mental health outcomes in the absence of the legislation. I hope the Minister will understand why, having been let down on the promised Bill, we want to see the colour of the Government’s money. Can he go back to his department and ask it to produce a list, with details and dates, of all the measures it intends to take to improve mental health practices via statutory instrument and new guidance in this parliamentary Session?

[Lord Markham (Con)]

Yes. I am happy for the noble Lord to come to the round table and put those points himself as well.