Wimbledon MP urges Prime Minister for better eating disorder support

At PMQs today (Wednesday 19th March 2025), Paul Kohler MP pressed Prime Minister Keir Starmer on urgent need for more support for eating disorder services. Data shows despite a 13% increase in referrals, NHS Integrated Care Boards (ICBs) plan to slash funding for support services in more than half of areas across England. Eating disorder services in London face a £179,000 cut in real terms.

Wimbledon MP Paul Kohler highlighted the concerning barriers to support for young people suffering from eating disorders, leaving vulnerable individuals without the urgent care they need. 

According to findings from the Royal College of Psychiatrists, 24 out of 42 NHS ICBs have set out real terms spending cuts totalling more than £835,000 for these services in the current financial year. 

Across London, eating disorder services are being slashed including in North West London where services are being slashed by 5%. The capital faces a real terms cut of £179,000 to services in total.

As a result, eating disorder services are having to prioritise the most unwell children and young people due to rising demand, staff shortages and a lack of resources. 

Having had a family member suffer from an eating disorder, Paul Kohler MP has first hand experience of how important it is for young people to get the treatment they need as quickly as possible to prevent them becoming more unwell. 

In his response, the Prime Minister agreed with Mr. Kohler that too many people were not getting enough support and promised to update Mr. Kohler on progress made. 

Liberal Democrat MP for Wimbledon, Paul Kohler said:

“Many of my constituents have approached me about the inadequate treatment of young people’s eating disorders. This year, despite a 13% increase in referrals, the majority of NHS ICBs have cut real term funding. 

“Currently, as I have seen in my own family and my weekly surgeries, those who reach out for treatment are told, in effect ‘come back when you’re thinner’ - increasing both the human and financial costs of treatment. 

“It is quite frankly dangerous that young people in desperate need are being turned away until they become more and more unwell. The Government must realise the scale of this crisis and increase support for those struggling.”

Sources

Data on London ICBs Eating Disorders planned spending can be found here 

Further information from the Royal College of Psychiatrists can be found here

Paul’s PMQ can be watched here