Business of the House

Oliver Colvile Excerpts

Thursday 13th October 2011 Commons Chamber

[Oliver Colvile (Plymouth, Sutton and Devonport) (Con)]

Would my right hon. Friend be willing to have a debate on mental health issues for young people? According to today’s edition of the Plymouth Herald, a very good organ in my constituency:

“Hundreds of vulnerable children in Plymouth are having to wait months for mental health treatment”,

and 90 have had to wait beyond the 18 weeks allowed.

[Sir George Young]

I understand my hon. Friend’s concern. Funding for child and adolescent mental health services for local authorities has been maintained and is included within funding provided for ongoing personal social services. That funding is due to rise in line with inflation through to 2014-15, but it is for commissioners at a local level to decide how best to spend the money.