Mental health services must receive fair share of NHS funding boost, says RCPsych

Statement / comment
30 October 2024

Responding to the Chancellor’s Autumn Budget, Dr Lade Smith CBE, President of the Royal College of Psychiatrists, said:

“Today’s Budget provides the NHS with a much-needed increase in funding, and we are waiting to see what proportion of this will be allocated to mental health. The UK Government’s focus on community services and prevention is positive but will need to be supported by targeted investment.

“People who have a mental illness face some of the longest delays to care, with 350,000 waiting more than a year for their first appointment. It's therefore critical that waiting time standards for mental health services are given equal priority to physical health services. 

“The Chancellor also committed to providing specific funding for the provision of additional hospital beds and the maintenance of the health estate. We would like to see this distributed fairly, particularly for mental health services, in those areas that need it most. Disappointingly, patients are often still being treated in buildings which are older than the NHS itself, and not fit for purpose, or sent hundreds of miles from home for care due to a lack of locally available beds.   

“We note the commitment to provide new mental health crisis centres and look forward to being involved in developing the detail around this plan. In August alone, there were over 45,000 urgent mental health referrals to crisis care teams, an 11% increase from last year. It will be critical to evaluate how additional investment in the community prevents people from needing emergency care and reduces demand, particularly during the challenging winter months. 

“Plans to get people back to work and reform the welfare system will disproportionately affect people who have a mental illness, and it is vital that these plans are driven by clinical evidence rather than arbitrary cost savings. Good quality work is undoubtedly beneficial for people’s mental health, and we are pleased to see investment in projects which may help people find meaningful employment.  

“However, we must remember that some people who have a mental illness are simply too sick to work. Work capability assessments should follow a person-centred model. The welfare system should be compassionate and enabling, and thus help people with mental health conditions to improve their quality of life, rather than hampering them.   

“Homelessness and mental illness are intrinsically linked, and it is positive to see funding will be provided to prevent people from sleeping rough or needing temporary accommodation.  

“The announcements outlined today must be the first step towards making sure good quality mental health services are available to support and treat people when needed. This will boost the nation’s productivity.  

“The College will use its experience and expertise to support the UK Government to consider mental health and mental illness, including the updated NHS Long Term Workforce Plan, and the Ten Year Health Plan.

“The impacts of mental ill-health are far reaching, and we will also aim to assist Government plans across education, prisons, the justice system, the environment and trade and industry.”   

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