Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps his Department has taken to ensure there is sufficient funding for (a) public health, (b) mental health services and (c) social care since Harrow Clinical Commissioning Group has been placed in financial directions; and if he will make a statement.

Harrow Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) is currently being considered for Legal Directions as a result of the £19.6 million deterioration in the financial position in 2018/19. The CCG planned for a £20.2 million deficit and at month 9 are reporting a £39.8 million forecast outturn deficit. NHS England will be providing the CCG with written confirmation once the decision has been taken. This will enable NHS England to provide the support and oversight required to return the CCG to a sustainable financial position.

The CCG has already begun producing a financial recovery plan for submission to NHS England. Within this plan, the CCG will demonstrate how they are meeting Five Year Forward requirements in all areas, including mental health. The draft plan for 2019/20 will set out how the CCG will meet mental health access standards, and the mental health investment standard. Harrow CCG continues to work closely with colleagues in the local authority to ensure they continue to provide high quality adult social care and public health services to the people of Harrow.