Baroness Tyler of Enfield (LD)

My Lords, Amendment 47 would establish a mental health commissioner for England. The role would fill a major gap in the operation of the Mental Health Act and the rights of people with mental health difficulties. I believe this role is essential in ensuring oversight and advocacy for people affected by the Mental Health Act. Unlike existing bodies, the commissioner would have a strategic, cross-government focus working to promote mental health, tackle inequalities and be a powerful advocate for the rights and well-being of those living with mental health problems, who would finally have a voice at the top table. The commissioner would also play a vital role in the public sphere, tackling stigma and discrimination and championing policies that support good mental health across society. The commissioner would have the independence to comment on the implementation of the reformed Mental Health Act and any subsequent changes or issues that arise. International evidence highlights the impact such a role can play in improving outcomes. I know concerns were raised in Committee that the commissioner would duplicate the CQC’s Mental Health Act responsibilities. I simply do not believe this is so. The CQC is an arm’s-length body that has a statutory responsibility to inspect and regulate health and care services and intervene in cases of abuse of people’s rights, and it has powers to tackle poor practice in providers. Its work is essential, but its ability to oversee implementation is limited and it absolutely does not have a policy advisory function. I welcome the announcement of a new chief inspector for mental health at the CQC, who will lead the inspection of mental health providers. It is long overdue. However, like the CQC, the new chief inspector will have no role to work across government to take a view on public health policies or their implementation and to speak publicly on them, so the roles of the new chief inspector and the commissioner in my amendment are separate and distinct. The commissioner would complement the CQC in the same way as the Children’s Commissioner complements Ofsted. I was very pleased to hear that the Minister recently had a productive meeting with the Children’s Commissioner, including, as I understand it, a discussion on children and young people’s mental health. I look forward to hearing more about that. I am sure that the Minister understands the distinct role that the Children’s Commissioner has in championing the rights of children with mental illness and that it is separate from the role of Ofsted. Finally, I know that some concerns have been raised about resources. I emphasise again, as I did in Committee, that I envisage the commissioner having a very small secretariat, similar perhaps to the Domestic Abuse Commissioner or the Victims’ Commissioner. I believe the latter has around 10 staff. Of course, the commissioner would prioritise their work sharply. For a small investment, I believe that the commissioner could transform the way government and public services support our mental health, bringing a deep understanding of mental health into the heart of government, with statutory authority and independence that will enable them to inform policy, support delivery and oversee progress. They can bring government departments together to make the best use of resources and advocate for mental health in the public sphere. I beg to move.