10

Mental health service data remains less comprehensive and granular than physical health services

Conclusion
Compared to physical health services, data for mental health services are less comprehensive and granular. The Department and NHSE acknowledged that data for mental health services still lag behind that for physical health services, but argued that they have taken “powerful” measures. For example, the Department and NHSE told us that, historically, the use of block contracts for mental health services was a disincentive to collecting cost data, but that they have shifted towards more of an activity-based payment system for mental health.19
Government Response

A response document is linked to this report, dated 24 September 2023. Response attribution to this conclusion has not been verified. Read the response document.

Addressee Bodies
HM Treasury
Timeline
Recommendation age 3.1 yrs
Report published 21 Jul 2023