Mental health charity Mind has said that local authorities are spending too little on mental health services.
BBC News reports that the charity’s research revealed that, on average, just 1.4% of public health budgets go towards providing local mental health facilities.
Public Health England has backed Mind’s report – and agrees that there should be more public spending on mental health services at local level, including preventative measures and measures to encourage and support good mental health in the community, as well as promoting good physical health among those with mental health conditions.
Previously, local health trusts were responsible for this, but the NHS and welfare reforms of 2013 moved responsibility to local authorities.
A total of 87 out of 152 local authorities responded to a questionnaire sent out by Mind about mental health budgets.
The research reveals that in the year 2014-2015, local authorities are planning to spend £76 million on increasing physical activity, £160m on anti-smoking initiatives and £671m on sexual health services, compared with £40m on public mental health services.
The Local Government Association responded to the Mind report by saying that local authorities did “many positive things that the report had not recognised”.
Duncan Lewis Mental Health Solicitors
Duncan Lewis mental health solicitors are the UK’s leading Legal Aid mental health solicitors and can advise mental health patients on access to services and detention under the Mental Health Act.
Duncan Lewis mental health solicitors regularly visit police stations, prisons and hospitals to advise on mental health law – and are available for short-notice appointments nationwide.
For expert legal advice on mental health law, call the Duncan Lewis Mental Health Solicitors Helpline on 0203 114 1124.