Streeting orders independent review into mental health, ADHD, and autism services
Health Secretary Wes Streeting will initiate an independent examination into the rising demand for mental health support, ADHD services, and autism assessments across England. Streeting has previously indicated concerns that mental health conditions may be overdiagnosed, while the government argues that increased system pressure has caused longer waits for those in urgent need of help. He emphasized the need to approach the issue with a clinical, evidence-based mindset to ensure timely, accurate diagnoses and effective support for everyone.
The Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) said the review will run concurrently with an additional £688 million in funding. This comes as ministers attempt to address a growing welfare bill. Earlier this year, the government agreed to reverse planned disability-benefit cuts—scaling back reforms after substantial opposition from Labour backbenches—amid widespread backlash.
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has since pledged a renewed push to reform the welfare system, which has been criticized for trapping people in poverty and prematurely labeling young people as unfit for work. The new review, led by clinical psychologist Professor Peter Fonagy, is expected to publish its findings in the summer of 2026. Fonagy described the objective as rigorously testing assumptions and listening to those most affected, so recommendations are both honest and genuinely useful.
As of March, approximately four million working-age adults in England and Wales were receiving either disability or incapacity benefits, up from about three million in 2019, according to research from the Institute for Fiscal Studies (IFS).
The DHSC noted that increased NHS pressure has meant that many with acute needs experience lengthy waits, navigate overstretched services, face care inequalities, and feel abandoned when support is most needed.
Mental health charity Mind welcomed the announcement and expressed willingness to contribute to the review. Mind’s Chief Executive, Dr. Sarah Hughes, described it as a major opportunity to understand the drivers behind rising mental illness, especially among young people.
Dr. Lade Smith, President of the Royal College of Psychiatrists, urged the review to identify care gaps rigorously while accounting for the many complex reasons people seek help. The National Autistic Society added that urgent action is required as, although assessments appear to be leveling off, average waiting times continue to soar.
Would you like to share your views on how such a review could balance clinical accuracy with timely access to care, and what specific changes you’d prioritize?
