We, and many stakeholders, agree that the introduction of ICSs offers opportunities to improve local mental health services. But many of the challenges they face involve longstanding and unresolved issues which we have repeatedly highlighted, most recently in our April 2023 report on the introduction of ICSs.33 Only four out of 29 ICBs responding to the NAO survey agreed they had the capacity, resources and staff required to improve their mental health services. As the Department acknowledged...

We, and many stakeholders, agree that the introduction of ICSs offers opportunities to improve local mental health services. But many of the challenges they face involve longstanding and unresolved issues which we have repeatedly highlighted, most recently in our April 2023 report on the introduction of ICSs.33 Only four out of 29 ICBs responding to the NAO survey agreed they had the capacity, resources and staff required to improve their mental health services. As the Department acknowledged, “the proof will be in the pudding”.34 On workforce, NHSE told us that local ICSs are responsible for their own workforce planning. It recognised that t Type: conclusion | Number: 18 | Response status: accepted Government response: 3.1 The government agrees with the Committee’s recommendation Target implementation date: Summer 2024 3.2 The NHS Oversight Framework outlines NHS England’s approach to overseeing Integrated Care Boards (ICBs) and trusts, utilising 63 metrics, 6 of which relate to men