Mind responds to pre-budget announcement
Last night (Sunday 28 October 2018), the Chancellor of the Exchequer Philip Hammond announced that, among other things, NHS mental health funding is set to rise by at least £2 billion a year.
Responding to this, Paul Farmer, Chief Executive of Mind, said:
"NHS mental health services have been underfunded for decades and we know that too often, people don't get the help and support they need, when they need it. This commitment ahead of the long term plan indicates that mental health is rightly high on the Government's agenda, and has the potential to improve access to care, once detailed plans are clear.
"People with mental health problems tell us that support from other parts of Government are also vital. We are still seeking reassurance from the Government that nobody who needs support from benefits because their mental health makes it difficult to work will lose their income in the move over to Universal Credit. This has not yet been forthcoming. Under current plans, more than three million people will be forced to reapply within as little as a month. Many will struggle to go through this complex process, and could be left without any financial support.
"If the Government is really intent on prioritising the nation's mental health, it needs to guarantee nobody with mental health problems will be left without their income as a result of moving to Universal Credit."
