MENTAL health services for children were criticised for being “stuck in the dark ages” yesterday — by a minister who has been responsible for them for the past two years. 

Care and Support Minister Norman Lamb gave the scathing verdict on the service as he launched a new task force in a bid to make improvements.

“I don’t think that children’s mental health services, the way they’re organised, the way they’re commissioned, are fit for purpose,” he told the BBC.

Shadow public health minister Luciana Berger pointed out the Lib Dem is “not a commentator” but the minister responsible. 

She said: “On his watch, child and adolescent mental health services are in crisis. 

“Funding has been cut, the number of doctors and nurses has been reduced and we are seeing more and more children being treated on adult wards.”

Ms Berger added Labour would ensure mental health be given “parity of esteem” with physical health.