13
Not Addressed
Set clear deadline for publishing the Modern Service Framework for mental health in 2026.
Recommendation
We welcome the commitment in the 10 Year Health Plan to develop a Modern Service Framework (MSF) for mental health, with a focus on the needs of people with severe and enduring mental illness in particular. However, without a clear timeline for publication, this work risks slipping down the political agenda. To ensure progress and accountability, the Government should set a deadline, in its response to this report, for when in 2026 the MSF for mental health will be published. (Recommendation, Paragraph 98)
Government Response Summary
The government explicitly states it does not accept the recommendation. However, its reasoning discusses the voluntary nature and governance of Section 75 arrangements, which is entirely unrelated to the committee's request for a deadline for the Modern Service Framework's publication.
Government Response
Not Addressed
Government Response
Not Addressed
HM Government
Not Addressed
The government does not accept this recommendation. The government recognises the potential benefits of increasing the use of section 75 arrangements including to support mental health patients. However, these remain voluntary arrangements and NHS bodies and local authorities can choose how they best use and manage these arrangements to meet the care and health needs of their local population. Partners to section 75 arrangements must have appropriate governance and reporting mechanisms in place and formal accountability remains with the bodies which originally hold the relevant NHS or local authority health-related functions, irrespective of who delivers them.
Source
Committee
Health and Social Care Committee
Inquiry
Community Mental Health Services
Report
4th Report - Community Mental Health Services
02 Dec 2025
HC 566
Addressee Bodies
Department of Health and Social Care
Timeline
Recommendation age
0.7 yr
Report published
02 Dec 2025