William Eichler 25 April 2017

Mental health services face ‘savage’ cuts

Five CCG areas in England are planning to cut spending on mental health services in 2017/18, new research reveals.

An investigation by health magazine Pulse has revealed that Clinical Commissioning Groups (CCGs) in Sefton, Scarborough, Isle of Wight, Cumbria, St Helens and Walsall are collectively spending £34.95m less in 2017/18 than they spent on mental health services in 2016/17.

Mental health services in Walsall will experience the largest cut with the CCG reducing spending by £1.9m — or 3.6% — despite its overall budget increasing by 1.4%.

According to NHS England’s Five Year Forward View for mental health in February 2016, CCGs should spend an extra £1bn a year on mental health by 2020/21. Mental health spending should also be in line with budget increases.

‘These savage cuts to mental health funding are the hidden cost of the NHS crisis,’ said Liberal Democrat shadow health secretary Norman Lamb.

‘Vulnerable people are being let down by this Conservative Government’s chronic underfunding of our NHS.

'We must be honest with the public about the need to increase taxes to pay for a modern health service that treats mental health equally.’

The £37,000 SEND Problem image

The £37,000 SEND Problem

Natalie Kenneison, COO at Imosphere, argues that the real SEND funding crisis isn’t just about budgets - it’s about the systems behind the decisions.
SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Family Support Worker

Durham County Council
Grade 6 £27,269 - £30,060 (Pay Award Pending)
Do you want to work in an ambitious Local Authority with strong leadership and partnership commitment to Children’s Services? Durham County Council a Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

SENDIASS Support Officer

Durham County Council
Grade 8 £31,586 - £35,235 (Pay Award Pending)
An exciting and rewarding opportunity has arisen within the busy and fast paced SEND Information, Advice, Support Service (SENDIASS). The service has Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Residential Worker

Durham County Council
Grade 7 £29,093 - £32,654 (Pay Award Pending)
Salary
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Team Leader

Durham County Council
Grade 8 £31,586 - £35,235 (Pay Award Pending)
Salary
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Class Teacher

Durham County Council
£31,650- £33,483
Class Teacher MPS 1 -2   £31,650- £33,483 Temporary – required from Monday 1st September 2025 (subject to DBS) until 31st August 2026 25 hours per wee Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council
Linkedin Banner