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Sunak to announce 500 million package to support mental health services
21/11/2020
Chancellor Rishi Sunak will announce a £500 million package to support mental health services as part of measures to recover from the coronavirus crisis.
The Treasury said he will pledge the new funding in his spending review on Wednesday, when he will also deliver his long-term plan for infrastructure investment.
The majority of the spending is planned to go on specialist services for young people, including in schools, and support for NHS workers.
But Mr Sunak is also expected to make a vow for rapid progress to tackle the backlog of adult mental health referrals.
The Government estimates that mental ill health costs the economy up to £35 billion per year, and hopes the package will address the extra demand for services from the pandemic.
Mr Sunak said: “The pandemic has had a major impact on mental health because of increased isolation and uncertainty.
“So it is vital we do everything we can to support our mental health services and ensure help is there for people.
“This funding will make sure those who need help get the right support as quickly as possible so they don’t have to suffer in silence.”
Mr Sunak’s spending review is long-awaited, but it could also spark industrial action if he confirms the Government will impose a pay cap on millions of public sector workers.
Published: by Radio NewsHub