23 Jun 2026
A cross-party group of MPs on the Health and Social Care Committee has proposed a series of amendments to the Government’s Health Bill, arguing that issues such as SEND provision, mental health services, prevention and health inequalities risk being overlooked amid wider NHS reforms.
The Committee is calling for Integrated Care Boards (ICBs) to be placed under a legal duty to comply with SEND tribunal decisions relating to health provision, strengthening support for children and young people with Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs). MPs have also proposed making the Mental Health Investment Standard a statutory requirement, ensuring spending on mental health services grows as a proportion of overall NHS funding.
The report highlights the importance of closer collaboration between health services and local authorities, greater emphasis on prevention, and stronger action to tackle health inequalities. These issues are particularly relevant in rural areas, where residents often face poorer access to healthcare services, longer travel times, workforce shortages and worse health outcomes.
The Committee notes that people living in rural and coastal communities are among those more likely to experience health inequalities.
The proposed amendments will be considered during the next stage of the Health Bill’s parliamentary scrutiny, which begins this month.
