Mental Health Bill [ Lords ] (Ninth sitting)

Danny Chambers Excerpts

Committee stage
Tuesday 24th June 2025 Public Bill Committees

[Zöe Franklin]

I thank the Minister for outlining the PCREF and the focus that it will have in addressing these issues. I was particularly interested in the explanation of the iterative approach that it will allow. I also thank the hon. Member for Southend West and Leigh for his insights into the issue. I beg to ask leave to withdraw the motion.

Clause, by leave, withdrawn.

New Clause 2

Mental Health Crisis Breathing Space

“(1) Any person detained under sections 3, 37, 41 or 47 of the Mental Health Act 1983 must be offered support from the mental health crisis breathing space debt respite scheme.”—(Dr Chambers.)

This new clause ensures that MHCBS, a debt respite scheme, is offered and available to patients detained under sections 3, 37, 41 and 47 of the Mental Health Act 1983.

Brought up, and read the First time.

[Dr Danny Chambers (Winchester) (LD)]

I beg to move, That the clause be read a Second time.

The new clause relates to the mental health crisis breathing space debt respite scheme, and would allow it to be

“offered and available to patients detained under sections 3, 37, 41 and 47 of the Mental Health Act 1983.”

The mental health crisis breathing space mechanism is another vital tool that can protect people in a mental health crisis from the impacts of problem debt, by pausing enforcement action, contacting creditors and freezing interest and charges on any debts.

However, the number of people benefitting from an MHCBS are significantly below its potential, largely because both patients and healthcare professionals do not know about it. Ensuring that everyone detained under the longer provisions of the Act would automatically be offered access to the scheme would ensure that many more people could benefit from it. We have discussed in previous sittings the impact of debt on mental health, and the work of Winchester Citizens Advice. I am really pleased to say that this week, I presented them with a huge award for best social enterprise at the Hampshire business awards, so my congratulations go to them.

[Stephen Kinnock]

I am grateful to the hon. Member for Winchester for bringing this issue before the Committee. The Government’s breathing space programme plays an important role in protecting people experiencing problem debt. We recognise that that can be particularly critical for people whose mental illness is worsened or even triggered by financial problems.

Let me reassure the hon. Gentleman that people under the sections identified by his new clause are already eligible for breathing space. In fact, eligibility covers all individuals detained in hospital for assessment or treatment under the Mental Health Act, as well as those receiving crisis treatment in a community setting from a specialist mental health service. Furthermore, NHS England guidance already sets out that financial support, including referral to breathing space, should be offered to patients receiving acute in-patient mental health care, whether detained or voluntary patients. We will make explicit the need for staff to offer proactively that support in the Mental Health Act code of practice. For those reasons, I ask the hon. Member for Winchester to withdraw his new clause.

[Dr Chambers]

I thank the Minister for his comments. I am concerned about the lack of knowledge among patients and healthcare professionals. We cannot see any downside to making this an automatic right, so we will press new clause 2 to a vote.

Question put, That the clause be read a Second time.

--- Later in debate ---

[Zöe Franklin]

I thank the Minister for his comments. In particular, I was interested to hear about the mental health centre pilot schemes. I look forward to their further roll-out. They will be crucial in addressing the issues that we sought to address in the new clause. I was also very pleased to hear about the focus on a meaningful partnership between local government, national Government and mental health providers. On that basis, I beg to ask leave to withdraw the motion.

Clause, by leave, withdrawn.

New Clause 7

Funding and reporting

“(1) For each financial year until all sections of this Act have come into force, of the total health service expenditure by the bodies (taken together) in subsection (2), the proportion which relates to mental health spending—

(a) under the Mental Health Act 1983, and

(b) under this Act or which, in future, would be made under provision inserted into the Mental Health Act 1983 by this Act, (taken together) must not decrease.

(2) The bodies are the Department of Health and Social Care, NHS England and integrated care boards.”—(Dr Chambers.)

This new clause would require that mental health spending as a proportion of health service expenditure must not decrease in the implementation period of the Act.

Brought up, and read the First time.

[Dr Chambers]

I beg to move, That the clause be read a Second time.

We are aware from the Darzi report that mental health cases account for about 20% of the NHS burden, and currently receive about 10% of the funding. Our mental health services urgently need investment. Children at risk of self-harm, anorexia and suicide often wait months to be seen. I keep thinking about a few people I spoke to in Winchester who have teenage daughters with anorexia. They have been told that their daughters have to reach a lower BMI before they hit the threshold for treatment. That is horrific for the individuals, and we know that their anorexia will be more difficult to treat, will require more intensive, longer treatment, and will cost the NHS more in resources and finances.

Many people cannot access the care in the community that they need. In a context in which suicide and mental ill health is on the rise, it is therefore disappointing to us that the Government have removed key NHS targets on mental health, such as physical health checks for those with mental disorders. Supporting those with mental health conditions is a fundamental pillar of the Government’s welfare reforms and economic agenda, but we know there were about 1 million people waiting in 2024 for mental health services. That is why we need to ensure that the spend on mental health care does not decrease and that, if anything, it increases.

[Anna Dixon (Shipley) (Lab)]

As a member of the Public Accounts Committee, I carefully scrutinise the annual accounts of the Department of Health and Social Care. We have been urging that exactly how the breakdown of expenditure relates to issues is made more transparent within those accounts, such as how much is spent on mental health. Does the hon. Gentleman agree that there are other ways in which we can scrutinise and hold the Department to account for its spend on mental health?

[Dr Chambers]

That sounds very sensible.

[Stephen Kinnock]

I thank the hon. Member for Winchester for his new clause. This was raised in the other place and there are several issues with it that have not yet been fully addressed.

First, the new clause would apply only to spend under the Mental Health Act. The mental health system, and its accounting, is not structured based on the legal framework that patients are subject to. A single ward may contain a mix of patients under the Mental Health Act and informal patients who would not usually be considered to be under the Act. Community services will support some patients on community treatment orders, who are therefore subject to the Mental Health Act, but also many who are not and have never been subject to the Act. It would not be feasible or desirable to try to restructure accounting and reporting based on which patients are subject to the Act and which are not.

Secondly, the Government believe in prevention. We want to see better mental health outcomes, with more people cared for in the community so that the need for use of the Act is reduced. Over time, we want to see a shift in spend into preventive community services, which should in turn lead to a fall in the need for the use of the Mental Health Act. Few would disagree with that general aim, but the new clause would prevent that. By requiring share of spend under the Act to increase or remain the same, we are necessarily limiting the share of spend that could instead go towards preventing people from needing to use the Act in the first place.

We will need to invest to deliver these reforms, as the impact assessment makes clear; however, the new clause is flawed and not the right mechanism to achieve the necessary investment. Parliament already has the power to scrutinise departmental spend via the estimates process. We are required to report on the share of spend on mental health under the National Health Service Act 2006. This is sufficient to hold the Government to account. I therefore hope that the hon. Member for Winchester feels able to withdraw the motion.

[Dr Chambers]

I thank the Minister for his comments. If there is a duty to report the spend on mental health as a share of the whole budget, then I beg to ask leave to withdraw the motion.

Clause, by leave, withdrawn.

New Clause 8

Mental Health Commissioner

“After section 142B of the Mental Health Act 1983, insert—

‘Mental Health Commissioner

142C Independent Mental Health Commissioner: establishment

(1) There is to be an office known as the Office of the Mental Health Commissioner.

(2) The Office in subsection (1) must be established by the Secretary of State three months after the day on which the Mental Health Act 2025 is passed.

(3) The Office of the Mental Health Commissioner will be led by an individual appointed by the Secretary of State titled the “Independent Mental Health Commissioner”.

(4) The role in subsection (3) is referred to as the “Mental Health Commissioner”.

(5) The Mental Health Commissioner may appoint staff to the Office of the Mental Health Commissioner they consider necessary for assisting in the exercise of their functions in section 142D.

142D Functions of the Commissioner

(1) The Mental Health Commissioner is responsible for overseeing the implementation and operability of functions discharged by relevant bodies and persons under the provisions of this Act, the Mental Health Act 1983, and the Mental Capacity Act 2025 particularly regarding the provision of treatment, care, and detention of people with a mental disorder.

(2) The Mental Health Commissioner must publish an annual report on the use of functions discharged under this Act, which must assess—

(a) the quality of mental health care treatment provided by relevant services;

(b) the accessibility of mental health care treatment services;

(c) the relationship between mental health and the criminal justice system;

(d) inequalities of mental health care provision regarding protected characteristics under the Equality Act 2010;

(e) the use and effectiveness of detention measures under this Act, including but not limited to Community Treatment Orders, for the purposes of therapeutic benefit outlined in section 1(2B);

(f) challenges surrounding stigma of mental health conditions;

(g) the accessibility of advice and support to mental health service users, their families and carers on their legal rights;

(h) other issues deemed appropriate by the Mental Health Commissioner.

(3) In fulfilling their duties under subsection (1), the Mental Health Commissioner may review, and monitor the operation of, arrangements falling within subsection (1), (2) and (3) for the purpose of ascertaining whether, and to what extent, the arrangements are effective in promoting the principles in section 118(2B) of this Act.

(4) Subject to any directions from the Secretary of State, the Commissioner may take action necessary or expedient in connection for the purposes of their functions.

(5) This may include—

(a) collaborating with health services, public authorities, charitable organisations, and other relevant entities, including NHS bodies, the Care Quality Commission, and the Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman;

(b) ensuring enforcement authorities and public bodies under the Mental Health Act 1983 have the necessary capacity and resources to adequately discharge duties under the Mental Health Act 1983 and this Act.

142E Appointment, Tenure, and Remuneration of the Mental Health Commissioner

(1) The Secretary of State may by regulation make provision for the appointment, tenure, removal, and general terms of appointment of the Mental Health Commissioner.

(2) The Secretary of State may also by regulation determine the Commissioner’s remuneration, allowances, and pension entitlements.

142F Examination of cases

(1) The Secretary of State may, by regulations, make provision for the examination by the Mental Health Commissioner of the cases of those who are detained under this Act receiving treatment by authorised mental health care providers.

(2) The Secretary of State may, by regulations, provide for the Office of the Mental Health Commissioner to access and examine relevant data on mental health treatment provision held by NHS England and any other authorities the Secretary of State considers appropriate.

142G Regulations

A statutory instrument containing regulations under sections 142E and 142F may not be made unless a draft of the instrument has been laid before and approved by a resolution of each House of Parliament.’”—(Dr Chambers.)

This new clause establishes the office of the Mental Health Commissioner and makes provisions for relevant duties and responsibilities.

Brought up, and read the First time.

[Dr Chambers]

I beg to move, That the clause be read a Second time.

New clause 8 would establish the office of a mental health commissioner and makes provision for relevant duties and responsibilities. The commissioner would have a strategic, cross-government focus, working to promote mental health and tackle inequalities, and would be a powerful advocate for the rights and wellbeing of those living with mental health problems, who would finally have a voice at the top table. The commissioner would also play a vital role in the public sphere, tackling stigma and discrimination, and championing policies that support good mental health across society. The commissioner would have an independence to comment on the implementation of the reform of the Mental Health Act and any subsequent changes or issues that arise. International evidence highlights the impact that such a role can have in improving communities.

I keep coming back to a conversation I had in my office in Winchester with a psychiatrist whose wife also worked in the medical profession. He said that they were struggling to navigate the mental health system to get the healthcare that their child desperately needed. He made a really good point: if they, with their knowledge, expertise and experience, could not navigate the mental health system, what hope does anyone else have? That is why it is important to have someone with an overview who can advocate for patients, and the patient journey in general, to ensure that the process is streamlined and that people have the information they need to access the care they are entitled to.

[Stephen Kinnock]

I am grateful to the hon. Member for Winchester for bringing this issue, which was also debated extensively in the other place, before the Committee. Our view has not changed: the functions of the proposed commissioner clearly duplicate existing responsibilities of other organisations, most notably the Care Quality Commission. The Children’s Commissioner has expressed concerns that introducing a new mental health commissioner risks interfering with her own role in relation to children and young people’s mental health.

We recognise that the patient quality and oversight landscape is not working effectively, but I strongly doubt that inserting another body whose role overlaps with those already in place would help to address that issue. The landscape is already cluttered and fragmented. That is why last year we asked Dr Penny Dash to assess whether the current range and combination of organisations deliver effective leadership, listening and regulation for the health and care systems in relation to patient and user safety, or whether a new delivery model is needed. We will shortly see the results of her much-anticipated review.

We appreciate that our argument that the proposed mental health commissioner’s role would be duplicative of the CQC has previously been met with concerns about the effectiveness of that organisation. I reiterate that two major independent reviews into the wider role of the Care Quality Commission have reported under this Government, the recommendations from which the CQC has accepted in full. While we are confident in the progress that the CQC is making, we recognise that those reviews did not closely inspect the CQC’s statutory role and responsibilities in relation to monitoring the use of the Mental Health Act.

Therefore, in response to an amendment tabled in the other House, we committed to report on the CQC’s monitoring functions under the Act in the first of the Government’s annual reports on the implementation of the Bill. That will include reflections from the new chief inspector of mental health, Dr Arun Chopra, on the CQC’s statutory functions and its role as a key partner in delivering the reforms. I am looking forward to meeting Dr Arun Chopra very shortly in his new role.

Lastly, creating a mental health commissioner with a supporting office would require significant resources that we simply cannot justify. The original Mental Health Act commission was brought within the CQC to reduce Government spending and realise the benefits of aligning the CQC’s functions under the Mental Health Act with its functions under the Health and Social Care Act 2012, and to give it new powers to monitor via potential enforcement. Bearing in mind the radical reforms that we are making to the national health system to rid it of duplication, inefficiency and waste, we believe that now is not the time to reverse course on these matters.

[Stephen Kinnock]

The Dash review is looking at the landscape regarding all the different institutions and organisations, including the PHSO and the CQC, to map out how they interact with each other. Our view is that there is a lot of confusion and a lack of clarity, but we await the outcome of the review. I can confirm, however, that Penny Dash is looking at those matters. For those reasons, I ask the hon. Member for Winchester to withdraw the motion.

[Dr Chambers]

I thank the Minister for his reassurances. The issue is that the ability of the CQC to oversee implementation is limited, and it does not have a policy advisory function, which is something that a commissioner could do. Although we understand the Minister’s concerns about the office of a commissioner, the issue is important enough that we put it in our manifesto. We stood on a manifesto commitment to improve mental health access and streamline services via a commissioner. For that reason, we will press new clause 8 to a vote.

--- Later in debate ---

Brought up, and read the First time.

[Dr Chambers]

I beg to move, That the clause be read a Second time.

The new clause would require a review of the quality of accommodation for people detained or admitted to hospital under the Mental Health Act, and require the Secretary of State to publish a strategy to implement the recommendations of that review.

Lord Darzi found that many people are being treated in Victorian-era asylums. Many mental health hospitals are crumbling and the wards are not fit for purpose. Both the Care Quality Commission and the independent review of the Mental Health Act confirmed that many mental health wards are unsafe for staff and patients, and provide poor-quality care in unsuitable buildings. One CQC inspection report found that the seclusion rooms had low ceilings that contained electrical wires overhead, creating a safety hazard, and that staff could not see people clearly through the window panels because they were cloudy.

Is the Minister confident that the mental health estate is adequate to fulfil the Bill’s objectives? In particular, is the Minister satisfied that the mental health estate is sufficiently safe, in structural terms, and designed appropriately for those using it? For example, is it free of ligature points, and does it have sufficient in-patient capacity for children and young people?

--- Later in debate ---

[Stephen Kinnock]

I congratulate Lynfield Mount on the important work it is doing—and I congratulate my hon. Friend on that extremely strategic intervention. Yes, I would of course be more than happy to meet her, and we will make sure to get that in the diary.

The Government have allocated £750 million for estates safety in 2025-26, to address high-priority estate issues across the NHS systems, including in the mental health estate. The CQC will continue to monitor the impact of the reforms through its existing monitoring and reporting duties. A further statutory review is therefore not required, so I ask the hon. Member for Winchester to withdraw his new clause.

[Dr Chambers]

I thank the Minister for his reassurances, especially on the ongoing reviews. I will withdraw the new clause, but I make the obvious point that this is about not only the health and safety of the staff and patients, but the public perception of mental health, and the stigma surrounding it if we are treating people in Victorian-era asylums. I beg to ask leave to withdraw the motion.

Clause, by leave, withdrawn.

New Clause 15

Review of impact of this Act on detention

“(1) The Secretary of State must, within a period of 12 months following the day on which this Act is passed, commission an independent review into the impact of relevant provisions on reducing the number of people detained under Part 2 of the Mental Health Act 1983.

(2) In subsection (1), ‘relevant provisions’ include—

(a) sections 4, 5 and 6,

(b) section 8,

(c) section 21, and

(d) sections 46 and 47.

(3) The Secretary of State must, within 12 months of the publication of the review in subsection (1), publish a strategy to implement the recommendations of that review.”—(Zöe Franklin.)

This new clause would require the Secretary of State to commission a review into the impact of relevant provisions in the Act in reducing the number of people detained, in particular the provisions relating to people with autism or a learning disability, on grounds for detention and for community treatment orders, medical treatment, care and treatment plans, and on after-care, and to implement any recommendations within 12 months of the publication of the review.

Brought up, and read the First time.

[Zöe Franklin]

I beg to move, That the clause be read a Second time.

--- Later in debate ---

[Zöe Franklin]

I thank the Minister for his comments; it was really helpful to hear about how he sees the timings in our new clause fitting with the ongoing work to implement the Mental Health Act and the commissioning of the independent review. I am concerned about his comment that the work will be dependent on funding. I hope that the funding for the important independent review will be ensured. However, on the basis of the Minister’s comments, I am happy not to press any of the new clauses. I beg to ask leave to withdraw the motion.

Clause, by leave, withdrawn.

New Clause 16

Transfer of patients: out of area placements

“(1) The Mental Health Act 1983 is amended as follows.

(2) After section 19 (transfer of patients), insert—

‘19A Transfer of patients: out of area placements

(1) The Secretary of State must reduce to zero, within five years of the passage of the Mental Health Act 2025, the number of patients transferred to a hospital outside of the area in which the patient is ordinarily resident.

(2) The Secretary of State must publish, within six months of the passage of the Mental Health Act 2025, a report to outline how the duty under this section will be met, including how provision for treatment under this Act will be increased.’”—(Dr Chambers.)

This new clause would require the transfer of patients to hospitals outside of their area to be reduced to zero within 5 years, and for the Secretary of State to produce a report on how this will be achieved.

Brought up, and read the First time.

[Dr Chambers]

I beg to move, That the clause be read a Second time.

The new clause would require the number of patients transferred to hospitals outside their area to be reduced to zero within five years, and the Secretary of State would have to produce a report on how this would be achieved. We should not underestimate the harm and distress caused to patients and their families when they are allocated an out-of-area mental health placement. At the end of March 2024, there were 900 active out-of-area placements in England, of which 89% were deemed inappropriate.

Patients must be treated in a centre close to their home and family, and that can be achieved by increasing capacity and co-ordination between services. The new clause calls on the Secretary of State to publish guidance within six months of the Bill’s passage, setting out what processes and funding will be available for that purpose. Vulnerable people deserve to be treated near to their families and home, and the new clause would ensure that happens.

[Dr Shastri-Hurst]

The new clause is underpinned by noble intentions, but does the hon. Gentleman believe that patients would be better served if such a process were in guidelines rather than in the Bill? That would ensure that it is deliverable.

[Dr Chambers]

I welcome the hon. Gentleman’s comments. That is a sensible and insightful point, and I will take on board the Minister’s response too.

[Stephen Kinnock]

We believe that everyone should receive treatment for mental illness as close to home as possible, but there are circumstances in which placement on a ward outside the area where a person usually resides is clinically necessary. Some specialised services—for example, treatment for an eating disorder—may require a person to be transferred to a placement away from home, and we wish to retain that option.

However, we know that too many patients are placed outside their local area, which is why we have set aside £75 million in capital funding for local systems to invest in reducing such placements for all patients. We are also trialling new models of care, including six pilots of 24/7 neighbourhood mental health centres, with the aim of treating more people in their local communities. Similar international models have achieved significant reductions in hospitalisation.

NHS England is developing a new model for specialised children’s and young people’s mental health services that aims to ensure that children and young people are treated in the least restrictive environment close to their family and home. I hope that that satisfies the hon. Gentleman and that he will withdraw the new clause.

[Dr Chambers]

I thank the Minister for his comments. He recognises the issue and is taking steps to address it, so I beg to ask leave to withdraw the motion.

Clause, by leave, withdrawn.

New Clause 19

Report and Guidance: Improving Outcomes for LGBT Patients

“(1) The Secretary of State must, within 12 months of the day on which this Act is passed, prepare and lay before Parliament a report on the mental health outcomes of patients who are treated under the Mental Health Act 1983 and who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender (LGBT).

(2) The report under subsection (1) must include an assessment of—

(a) any differences between non-LGBT patients and LGBT patients in—

(i) the extent of the use of detention measures under the Mental Health Act 1983; and

(ii) treatment outcomes following detention, and

(b) the availability and accessibility of ‘culturally competent’ mental health treatment under the 1983 Act for LGBT patients.

(3) Following publication of the report under subsection (1), the Secretary of State must publish guidance for responsible bodies and individuals working with patients under the Mental Health Act 1983, including but not limited to those working in—

(a) mental health hospitals;

(b) places of safety;

(c) crisis accommodation; and

(d) relevant community mental health services.

(4) The guidance under subsection (3) must include—

(a) provisions about updated training standards for staff regarding the specific mental health needs and experiences of LGBT individuals, including training on non-discriminatory practice and inclusive communication approaches;

(b) steps to improve safety for LGBT patients in relevant mental health settings, with particular regard to addressing discrimination and harassment; and

(c) a definition of ‘cultural competent mental health treatment’ for the purposes of subsection (2).

(5) Responsible bodies and individuals working with patients under the Mental Health Act 1983 must have regard to guidance published under subsection (3).

(6) In preparing the report under subsection (1) and the guidance under subsection (3), the Secretary of State must consult—

(a) patients with a mental disorder who identify as LGBT;

(b) the families or carers of patients with a mental disorder who identify as LGBT;

(c) relevant professional bodies;

(d) integrated care boards;

(e) local authorities;

(f) providers of mental health treatment; and

(g) such other persons as the Secretary of State considers appropriate.

(7) The Secretary of State must update the guidance under subsection (3) at regular intervals, and no less frequently than every three years.”—(Zöe Franklin.)

This new clause would require the Secretary of State to report on mental health outcomes and disparities for LGBT patients in treatment under the Mental Health Act 1983 and publish guidance covering training and safety for this specific group.

Brought up, and read the First time.

[Zöe Franklin]

I beg to move, That the clause be read a Second time.

New clause 19 would require the Secretary of State to report on mental health outcomes for LGBT patients detained or treated under the Mental Health Act 1983, and to publish clear guidance to improve staff training, patient safety and inclusive care for that group. We all deserve appropriate support when experiencing poor mental health, and that support must be fair and respectful, no matter whether the patient identifies as lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender. Members of the LGBT community should have confidence that they will be treated with dignity and should not face unequal or inappropriate treatment because of who they are. Unfortunately, we know that that is not always the reality.

Stonewall’s “LGBT in Britain—Health” report revealed deeply concerning findings: almost one in four LGBT individuals had heard discriminatory or negative remarks about them from healthcare staff, one in eight had experienced unequal treatment, one in 10 had been outed without their consent in healthcare settings, and one in seven had avoided treatment altogether for fear of discrimination. That is unacceptable anywhere in our health system, but it is especially alarming in mental health settings, where patients are already in distress and often detained, and may not be in a position to advocate for themselves.

--- Later in debate ---

[Zöe Franklin]

I thank the Minister for his comments, for the recognition that individuals in the LGBT community clearly have concerns about the way that mental health care is provided, and for the commitment to addressing those. I hope that at some point he will be able to advise on the timeline for looking to resolve the issue of the unreliability of data; it is crucial that we have accurate data in order to ensure good outcomes and improvements in mental health care. However, in the light of the Minister’s comments and commitment on the issue, we will not press the new clause, although I look forward to observing closely, as this Bill continues through the House, how it will address the current inequalities for the LGBT+ community. I beg to ask leave to withdraw the motion.

Clause, by leave, withdrawn.

New Clause 22

National strategy on mental health units

“(1) The Mental Health Act 1983 is amended as follows.

(2) In Part VIII (Miscellaneous Functions of Local Authorities and the Secretary of State), after section 118, insert—

‘118A National strategy on mental health units

(1) The Secretary of State must, within 12 months of the passing of the Mental Health Act 2025, publish a national strategy to set out how the Government will ensure that all relevant mental health units meet or exceed ‘good’ safety standards as assessed by the Care Quality Commission (CQC).

(2) A strategy issued under this section must address the following matters—

(a) recruitment, retention and training of mental health staff,

(b) patient-to-staff ratios, and

(c) safe staffing levels during crises and night shifts.

(3) Following publication of the strategy, a report on implementation progress must be laid before Parliament annually.

(4) For the purposes of this section, a ‘relevant mental health unit’ is a facility used for treatment under this Act.”—(Dr Chambers.)

This new clause would require the Secretary of State to publish a strategy, followed by an annual progress report, on how the Government will ensure that all mental health units used for treatment under the Mental Health Act 1983 are rated “good” or above by the CQC.

Brought up, and read the First time.

[Dr Chambers]

I beg to move, That the clause be read a Second time.

New clause 22 is quite similar to new clause 14, on the state of in-patient facilities. It would require the Secretary of State to publish a national strategy to ensure that all mental health units meet or exceed a good rating for safety, as assessed by the Care Quality Commission. It would also mandate annual progress reports to Parliament. We all know that far too many mental health settings fall below acceptable standards. The CQC has repeatedly flagged serious failings in in-patient mental health services, including unsafe staffing levels, poor physical conditions and risks of harm to patients. These are not isolated issues but persistent and systemic problems.

The new clause calls for a proper, co-ordinated response. It would require the Government to set out how they will address staffing shortages, improve recruitment and retention, and ensure safe staffing levels, particularly at night and during crisis periods, when the risk is often highest. It is not enough to rely on reactive inspections or piecemeal initiatives; we need a national strategy backed by data, accountability and regular reporting to the House. Too many vulnerable people are currently treated in mental health units that are overstretched, understaffed and, in some cases, unsafe. The new clause would begin to change that by setting clear expectations on monitoring progress and holding the Government to account. I commend the new clause to the Committee.

[Stephen Kinnock]

We all agree that patient safety is paramount. Anyone who receives treatment in an in-patient mental health facility deserves safe and high-quality care. There have been too many incidents of poor-quality and unsafe care resulting in trauma and sometimes tragedy.

Although we agree with the principle of the new clause, the overriding objective duplicates NHS England’s in-patient quality transformation programme, a national initiative aimed at improving the quality and safety of care in in-patient mental health, learning disability and autism services. The programme has been developed with service users, families and staff, and sets out a long-term vision for improving in-patient services.

The new clause focuses specifically on staffing arrangements. Although we of course agree that the workforce is an important consideration in ensuring safe in-patient care, it is not the only factor. By comparison, NHS England’s in-patient quality transformation programme takes a more comprehensive view of the factors that contribute to safe and effective in-patient care. For example, it includes support for the cultural changes required to create and sustain an in-patient environment in which patients and staff can flourish. The programme’s progress will be measured using a range of data and evidence, for example on patient and staff experience.

We know that more needs to be done to support the providers of mental health care to improve the quality of their services in a sustainable way, which is why we are putting in place a robust package of reforms to help to improve performance. There will be no more rewards for failing; instead, ICBs and providers that do well will be rewarded with greater freedoms, while the most challenged will receive focused intervention. For those reasons, I ask the hon. Gentleman to withdraw the new clause.

[Dr Chambers]

I thank the Minister for his comments and reassurances. I beg to ask leave to withdraw the motion.

Clause, by leave, withdrawn.

New Clause 24

Application in respect of patient already on hospital grounds

“(1) The Mental Health Act 1983 is amended as follows.

(2) In section 5(1) (Application in respect of a patient already in hospital), after ‘or,’ insert ‘that the patient has attended a hospital or been brought to a hospital to seek help or admission as a patient or,’”.—(Dr Shastri-Hurst.)

This new clause would allow people who have attended or been brought to a hospital to seek help or admission as a patient to pursue an application for admission under the Mental Health Act.

Brought up, and read the First time.

Question put, That the clause be read a Second time.