Budget support for mental health services

Chancellor Philip Hammond unveiled a £2bn package to boost mental health services in the UK as part of the Autumn Budget.

He announced details of a new mental health crisis service as part of a 10-year plan for the NHS,  which will include a 24-hour hotline, mental health support provided in all A&E departments as well as dedicated services for children and young people.

Hammond confirmed that this is part of a five-year funding promise which will see £20.5bn invested in the NHS. This additional NHS funding was announced earlier this year.

In his Budget speech he said: “There are many pressing demands on additional NHS funding but few more pressing than the needs of those who suffer from mental illness.”

He also promised “more mental health ambulances” and more “safe havens in the community” and a 24-hour mental health crisis hotline.

Mental health has increasingly become a focus for both insurance and workplace benefits.

Aegean UK’s head of underwriting and claims strategy Simon Jacobs says: “Aegon welcomes the government investment in the support for those struggling with mental illness.

“While financial pay outs are essential to help families make ends meet, they’re often only part of the story. The need for practical and emotional support can be a more immediate priority. Financial support will help to some degree, but the best protection policies provide both a financial and emotional crutch.”

He pointed out that the company provides its  protection customers with access to a health and wellbeing support service, provided by Health Assured, and more than a third of calls received are in relation to mental health.

EY health leader, Dr Susan Thomas adds: “Increased focus on supporting individuals with mental health needs is hugely important as the system is already starting to show signs of strain despite the best efforts of health and care professionals.

“Robust mental health services are a vital component of delivering local services and maintaining the independence of individuals, which we know is going to be essential in managing both the demand and costs of patient care.”

Hammond also announced that a green paper on the future of social care funding would be released soon, but no further dates were given.

This Autumn’s Budget was framed as a Budget to back “strivers, grafters and carers”. Hammond declared that the end of austerity was coming with a range of modest giveaways. He also announced that the Government would be meeting its manifesto promise to raise the personal allowance to £12,500 and the higher-rate tax threshold to £50,000 a year early. These higher thresholds will  now be introduced in April 2019.

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