Local authority leaders have raised concerns that plans for police to stop attending mental health incidents, as set out in the National Partnership Agreement, are ‘being rolled out too quickly’.

The Local Government Association (LGA) said police were stepping back without adequate ‘local engagement and partnership working’, creating a risk that other agencies would be unable to pick up increased demand.

The agreement will mean the police do not attend mental health incidents, unless there is a ‘significant safety risk’ or crime involved, and instead refer them to a partner agency.

An agreement signed today (26 July) means the policy will begin in England, while forces in Wales work with the Welsh government to draw out a plan.

According to the National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC), the policy could save a million police hours each year.

President of the Royal College of Psychiatrists, Dr Lade Smith, said it was ‘no secret’ that the police were ‘under an incredible amount of pressure, whilst at the same time being chronically underfunded’.

Police withdrawal posed a ‘real danger’ to patients, Dr Smith added. Rachel Bacon, NPCC lead for mental health, said: ‘I do want to reassure our communities that the police will always be here to protect you and will always attend incidents where there is a threat to life.’

Cllr David Fothergill, chairman of the LGA’s community wellbeing board, said councils recognised that the police were not always the most appropriate service to deal with mental health crises.

However, he said, police needed to work closely with local partners to plan implementation of the policy.

Cllr Fothergill added: ‘Mental health services are funded via councils’ social care budgets which are already under considerable pressure. To deliver the best care possible for those experiencing a mental health crisis, alternative community services need to be fully funded across the country.’