Responding to NHS Digital's 2021 survey results, Mental health of children and young people in England 2021, the deputy chief executive of NHS Providers, Saffron Cordery said:

"While it is reassuring that the rate of mental disorders among children has not increased further, these survey findings are a stark reminder of the sustained levels of greater – sometimes more complex – need, and the growing demand for mental health services for children and young people.

"It is particularly concerning that more children and young people are experiencing a deterioration in their mental health and are struggling with eating disorders.

"These latest findings confirm those of our own survey in May in which all mental health trust leaders said demand for children and young people's services was outstripping supply.

"Trust leaders told us they were concerned about their ability to meet the level of anticipated demand within the next 12-18 months for mental health care amongst children and young people.

"While the extra £40m of revenue and capital funding that was announced for children and young people's mental health services in June is welcome, we know more will be needed on a long-term basis.

"It is also crucial that the needs of children and young people be considered in the government's plans for social care reform.

"We urge the government to provide the necessary investment for mental health services. This is vital not only to support current demand but to ensure long term sustainability for a sector that was overstretched, even before the COVID-19 pandemic."