Ellie Ames 26 July 2023

LGA: police mental health withdrawal too quick

LGA: police mental health withdrawal too quick  image
Image: Brian A Jackson / Shutterstock.com.

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.’

The £37,000 SEND Problem image

The £37,000 SEND Problem

Natalie Kenneison, COO at Imosphere, argues that the real SEND funding crisis isn’t just about budgets - it’s about the systems behind the decisions.
SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Head of Service – Social Care

Wrexham County Borough Council
G15 £63,148 - £67,058 per annum
There is an exciting opportunity within Children Social Care to join the senior management team Wrexham (Wrecsam)
Recuriter: Wrexham County Borough Council

Head of Service Social Work & Specialist Support

Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council
Grade M scp 60 £72,118 - scp 64 £77,293
There couldn’t be a more exciting time to join us. Blackburn, Lancashire
Recuriter: Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council

Cafe Assistant - Weald Country Park

Essex County Council
Up to £13.3000 per hour
Café Assistant (Weald Country Park)Contract
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Deputyship Caseworker

Essex County Council
£25081.00 - £27653.00 per annum + +26 Days Leave & Defined Benefit Pen
Deputyship CaseworkerPermanent, Full Time£25,081 to £27,653 per annumLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Shovel Driver Plant Operative - A120 Waste Transfer Station

Essex County Council
£25081.00 - £28033.00 per annum + 6% flat rate allowance
Shovel Driver Plant Operative - A120 Waste Transfer StationPermanent, Full Time£25,081 to £28,033 per annumLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council
Linkedin Banner