The government accepts this recommendation. The government acknowledges the importance of supporting ICBs to move towards longer-term commissioning arrangements for VCFSE organisations that contribute to the delivery of community mental health services. The NHS medium term planning framework creates new flexibility for ICBs to plan and allocate resources across multiple years to realise the potential of investing in upstream prevention and community capacity. As part of the strategic commissioning framework, ICBs have been encouraged to consider financial and contractual models that are sensitive to the conditions that different providers are operating within and to continue to foster strong partnerships with VCSFE organisations. This will require a much stronger focus on market making and shaping, including a better understanding of the stability and sustainability of different organisations and the outcomes they deliver so that ICBs can extract maximum value from their available resources. During 2026 to 2027, a strategic commissioning development programme will provide practical support to ICBs to strengthen the skills, tools and approaches required for commissioning sustainable neighbourhood health services that are tailored to local needs. This work will take account of ongoing system pressures and the need for flexibility, while ensuring that commissioning decisions reflect the value and potential of VCFSE organisations in transforming how services are delivered.