There is still no clear definition of the end goal of ‘parity of esteem’ 12 years after the government first set out its ambitions. From 2011, the government set out long-term ambitions to improve support and services for people with mental health problems and achieve ‘parity of esteem’ between mental health and physical health services. While the number of people accessing NHS funded mental services substantially increased from 3.6 million in 2016–17 to 4.5 million in 2021–22, as reported by...

There is still no clear definition of the end goal of ‘parity of esteem’ 12 years after the government first set out its ambitions. From 2011, the government set out long-term ambitions to improve support and services for people with mental health problems and achieve ‘parity of esteem’ between mental health and physical health services. While the number of people accessing NHS funded mental services substantially increased from 3.6 million in 2016–17 to 4.5 million in 2021–22, as reported by the NAO, this still only equates to around one third of people with mental health needs, with an estimated eight million not accessing services. NHSE ac Type: conclusion | Number: 4 | Response status: accepted Government response: The government agrees with the Committee’s recommendation incorporating feedback from key stakeholders and lived experience advisors. DHSC will provide an update on progress in January 2024 as part of its joint letter with NHS England to the Committee.