Care Quality Commission: Mental Health Care Waiting Times

Lord Davies of Brixton Excerpts

Thursday 8th May 2025 Lords Chamber

Asked by

[Lord Davies of Brixton]

To ask His Majesty’s Government how they intend to respond to the results of the survey undertaken by the Care Quality Commission, showing that people are waiting too long for mental health care.

[The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department of Health and Social Care (Baroness Merron) (Lab)]

My Lords, it is unacceptable that too many people are waiting too long for mental health care, as the Care Quality Commission survey makes clear. Mental health is a key priority for this Government. We are already transforming services, including through introducing new models of community-based care, recruiting 8,500 mental health workers and expanding mental health support teams so that we can provide access to specialist mental health professionals in every school.

[Lord Davies of Brixton (Lab)]

I thank my noble friend the Minister for her reply, and I welcome the progress that is being made. As she will be aware, yesterday the NHS Confederation published a report, based on research by the Centre for Mental Health, setting out urgent tasks that need to be undertaken. I know that she understands the need for parity of esteem; that could be marked by her giving the recommendations early consideration with a favourable turn of mind.

[Baroness Merron (Lab)]

I am aware of the very helpful report that my noble friend refers to. I acknowledge the challenges highlighted in that report and will certainly take into account the points it makes. I regularly meet with and listen to the sector on what we can do to improve outcomes and transform mental health services, and this report will of course feed into that.