Yorkshire & Humber councils fall below average for spending on mental health

Research published by mental health charity Mind highlights the amount spent by Yorkshire councils.

Published 6th Nov 2015

Charity Mind are claiming councils in Yorkshire and the Humber spend less than the national average of the public health budget on mental health. Across England, local authorities spend an average of 1 per cent of their public health budget on tackling mental health issues. The research found that significantly more was spent on physical health but Mind’s findings show that most areas of the country spend close to nothing on preventing mental health problems. The report states that at the moment money spent on public mental health is classed as miscellaneous costs, which is mixed with 14 other areas. It's estimated that mental health costs health and social care services £21 billion a year. Helen Robinson, the chief executive of Sheffield Mind said: 'It sends a message that mental health is not seen as important and is not a priority for investment.' 'Organisations are increasingly struggling to offer the same range and quality of services. This means a greater pressure is put on GP's and emergency services, as this is often the only way that people can get treatment.' 'For the people who are experiencing mental ill-health it means they are facing unacceptable waiting times. Conditions that could be managed by themselves and families with some support actually escalate.' 'People become far more ill and require far more support than would otherwise been needed.'