Yesterday the new Labour government announced its first budget, outlining its financial priorities to raise £40 billion while investing in public services.
We particularly welcome the £26 million commitment for new mental health crisis centres, which will reduce pressure on A&E services. The government also pledged to prioritise ‘tackling the root causes of mental health problems and supporting people to remain in, return to and find work’.
We know how much impact this could make from our experience of providing a range of community and crisis services, which work with a person’s whole life and give them practical solutions to tackle the issues causing their mental ill-health.
While the budget included a pay rise for the lowest paid workers, increasing the National Living Wage to £12.21 per hour for over-21s, we’re concerned that other measures will impact the daily lives of people who are already struggling. For example, the increase in the single bus fare cap and restrictions on winter fuel payments will have a real-life impact on many vulnerable people.
We know from experience that financial worries can have a profound impact on people’s mental health, pushing people into distress and crisis.
We’re also concerned about the impact that some of the measures will have on small charities and community organisations, which provide crucial NHS services across the country.
Adam Crampsie, Chief Executive at Everyturn Mental Health, commented:
“Having a sense of purpose, connection with our communities, and enough money to live on is what we all want in life, whether we have mental health issues or not.
“We welcome the government’s commitment to tackle the causes of mental ill-health, to prevent people from being pushed into crisis, as well as its emphasis on supporting people into work.
“We also welcome the increased funding for the NHS, which is so sorely needed, but it must flow through to where NHS services are delivered to have the greatest impact.
“We’re proud to provide NHS services, alongside so many other charities in the UK. Charities and community organisations play a vital role in supporting the NHS and local communities, but many smaller organisations are already struggling to keep their doors open. We’re concerned that some will be forced to make difficult decisions because of the increased employer National Insurance contributions (NIC) and the higher National Living Wage, if funding doesn’t increase to cover the costs.
“Grassroots charities that are delivering real-life impact in our communities should be protected from these NIC increases and it’s disappointing that the government has not taken this feedback on board in its plans.
“Safeguarding the futures of community organisations and charities will ensure that people get the support they need at the right time, in the heart of their communities.”