Mental Health Act Reform Debate
Full Debate: Read Full DebateDepartment: Department of Health and Social Care
Baroness Watkins of Tavistock
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Mental Health Act Reform
Baroness Watkins of Tavistock Excerpts(1 year, 3 months ago)
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Lord Markham (Con)
The noble Baroness is correct; these things do need resources. We have committed to £2.3 billion of extra spending next year and an increase of 27,000 in the number of mental health nurses; I am glad to say we are well on the way, with a 7,000 increase over the last year. This all comes back to workforce planning—I am sure I will be asked that question later. And, yes, we will publish our plan soon.
Baroness Watkins of Tavistock (CB)
My Lords, can the Minister comment on why it is 50 years since we have had a revision, and say whether in fact the Government are delaying this legislation because of the resources that will be required, as has just been referred to?
Lord Markham (Con)
No, I hope that all noble Lords will see that there is no sense of delay on this side—and we are not waiting for the legislation to introduce a lot of these measures. It is very important, and we are ready to push on as soon as parliamentary time allows.