Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, if he will make it his Department's policy to give the same priority to mental health as physical health.

Investment in National Health Service mental health services continues to increase each year from approximately £11 billion in 2015/16 to £15 billion in 2021/22.

The Health and Care Act 2022 includes clarification of the meaning of ‘health’ to include ‘mental health’; provisions to strengthen accountability and transparency on decisions and spending relating to mental health; and ensuring integrated care boards have an appropriate skill mix and experience necessary to deliver its functions, including mental health services.