DHSC fully recognises the importance of ensuring that NHS mental health services are accessible for rural communities. Work is already underway to support integrated care systems (ICSs) in providing rural communities with access to mental health services... NHSE allocates funding to each (Integrated Care Strategy (ICS) using a weighted capitation formula based on the size of the local population and its needs. The formula takes account of the additional costs associated with rural areas in several ways, including by factoring in population age, supply-induced demand, distance of services and the length of time it takes an ambulance to reach an incident. For aspects related to prevention and promotion of good mental health, local public health teams in receipt of the public health grant in rural areas are best placed to develop services and solutions that reflect their geography. Not only can they co-produce localised solutions with their communities, but the majority of mental health services (especially those that are the first point of contact) are commissioned locally... We therefore do not intend to launch a consultation as recommended by the Committee, but we will continue to ensure accountability through existing mechanisms. Integrated Care Boards (ICBs) are responsible for tailoring and delivering services in accordance with local population needs and priorities. While NHS England (NHSE) remains committed to addressing inequalities in mental health services, the EFRA Committee’s report recommendation to set targets to measure and improve outcomes for rural mental health services and support rural health providers, is contrary to NHSE’s new operating model. Setting and managing national targets for local systems as recommended by the Committee would not align with NHSE’s overall strategic direction towards fewer national targets and more local accountability, as laid out in the Hewitt Review.