15 Acknowledged

Community Mental Health Services fragmentation persists, requiring sustained investment for integrated support models.

Conclusion
Community Mental Health Services (CMHS) are integral to supporting people with severe mental illness across health, social care, and with their wider social needs. Evidence to this inquiry shows that integrated models of support within multi-disciplinary teams—such as co-located teams and Individual Placement and Support—can improve outcomes and reduce system pressures. However, fragmentation across services persists. Without sustained investment and joined-up delivery, CMHS will not enable the ambitions of the Government’s ‘Health’ and ‘Growth’ missions. (Conclusion, Paragraph 107)
Government Response Summary
The government partially accepts the recommendation, acknowledging the value of alliance models and promoting the inclusion of VCFSE organisations in integrated care systems to strengthen collaboration and co-production. It does not, however, commit to specific actions regarding sustained investment or directly addressing the broader fragmentation of Community Mental Health Services.
Government Response
Acknowledged
HM Government Acknowledged
The government partially accepts this recommendation. The government acknowledges the value of alliance models in embedding VCFSE organisations in the design and delivery of community mental health services. These models can strengthen collaboration, promote co-production and ensure services reflect the diverse needs of local communities. NHS England is promoting approaches that support partnership working and inclusion of VCFSE organisations within integrated care systems. This includes encouraging mechanisms that enable smaller and peer-led organisations to participate in decision-making and access funding opportunities. Future guidance will continue to emphasise the importance of co-production from the outset and the role of community assets in delivering person-centred care. The aim is to ensure that commissioning and delivery models harness the expertise and reach of VCFSE organisations to improve outcomes and equity.
Addressee Bodies
Department of Health and Social Care
Timeline
Recommendation age 0.7 yr
Report published 02 Dec 2025