Mental health trusts face having their budgets cut despite pledges by the government to increase funding, analysis by the Kings Fund has found.
Around 40% of mental health trusts saw their income fall in 2015/16, despite pledges of increased funding for the services. The findings contrast with government commitments stating that 90% of CCGs would boost funding for mental health services. According to the King’s Fund, many CCGs have not increased their spending on mental health.
‘The fact that the planned increases in funding for mental health have not materialised in trust finances in so many areas is worrying, as there is a really urgent need for investment,’ said Helen Gilburt, a Fellow in Policy at The King’s Fund. ‘Patients should expect access to timely and effective treatment, yet across the country there is widespread evidence of poor-quality care, and patients are increasingly reporting a poor experience of mental health services.’
The King’s Fund analysed the accounts of all 58 mental health trusts. As these trusts provide 80% of all mental healthcare, the thinktank states that its analysis ‘provides a clear indication that the promised funding increases are not reaching the front line’'
‘Many of the pressures in mental health are being seen in areas of care where patients are most vulnerable,’ added Ms Gilburt. ‘While we welcome the commitments to increase funding, the experience of last year shows that parity of esteem for mental health continues to remain under threat.’