Mind responds to the Spring budget
UK Chancellor of the Exchequer Jeremy Hunt MP today announced his Spring budget. The main talking points included:
- A 2p cut in the rate of National Insurance
- Non-dom status being abolished
- Full funding for the NHS productivity plan
There were, however, no funding announcements for mental health.
Reacting to the budget, Dr Sarah Hughes, CEO of Mind, said:
“We are relieved to hear that the Household Support Fund – which supports people in poverty and bearing the brunt of the cost-of-living crisis, groups who we know are particularly affected by mental health problems – will be extended by 6 months. The UK government will need to extend it again at the next budget to make sure people aren’t left behind.
“However, we are concerned that no new funding has been committed to support the safe roll out of Right Care Right Person. It is simply impossible to take a million hours of support out of the system without replacing it with investment. Failing to properly fund NHS mental health crisis services while instructing police forces to step back from mental health calls is an unsafe and frankly irresponsible decision.
“Delivering this change safely requires careful planning, partnership working, additional funding and effective oversight. No one should have to risk losing their life because a process is changed too quickly and without investment.
“Given the lack of funding for mental health services announced in today's budget, it is even more critical that the UK government slows down the roll-out of Right Care Right Person and puts the needs of people with mental health problems and the public first."
