It is good to see that the number of people accessing NHS funded mental services has increased, from 3.6 million in 2016–17 to 4.5 million in 2021–22. However, this equates to only around one third of people with mental health needs accessing services, with an estimated eight million still not doing so.43 NHSE acknowledged that, under the current planned rates of service expansion, sizable treatment gaps will persist, even if it meets its access targets for 2023–24. There are also 1.2 million...

It is good to see that the number of people accessing NHS funded mental services has increased, from 3.6 million in 2016–17 to 4.5 million in 2021–22. However, this equates to only around one third of people with mental health needs accessing services, with an estimated eight million still not doing so.43 NHSE acknowledged that, under the current planned rates of service expansion, sizable treatment gaps will persist, even if it meets its access targets for 2023–24. There are also 1.2 million people currently waiting to be seen following their referral to community mental health services.44 Type: conclusion | Number: 22 | Response status: not_addressed Government response: 4.1 The government agrees with the Committee’s recommendation Target implementation date: January 2024 4.2 DHSC is working with NHS England to produce a definition of parity of esteem, incorporating feedback from key stakeholders and lived experience advisors. DHSC will provide an update on progress