Drop in mental health share of NHS funding 'disappointing'

Responding to the government’s announcement on expected
mental health spending Rebecca Gray, mental health director at the NHS Confederation, said:

“It is disappointing to see the share of funding to the mental health sector fall. It has been long recognised that mental health services were underfunded proportionate to need within the system. The creation of the mental health investment standard for ICB spend was a major step towards parity of esteem.

“So while it is welcome that the Secretary of State has confirmed the investment standard will continue to be met, the drop in the share of spending on mental health is a worrying step in the wrong direction.

“We understand the need to stabilise public finances, with all NHS organisations finding it challenging to deliver more, cheaper and better care in such a tough financial environment. Mental health trusts are looking for innovative ways to reorganise care, work in partnership with other organisations, and use technology to drive up quality and reduce cost. 

“We know mental ill health is one of the biggest drivers of economic inactivity. So tackling long waiting lists for mental health treatment is not only good for patients but the economy as well, which aligns with the government’s goal of getting more people back into work where possible.”