High-profile figures have signed an open letter urging the government to increase spending for parity of esteem.
The cross-party campaign asks “for the same right to timely access to evidence-based treatment” for mental health problems as there is with physical health problems.
“As ministers make final decisions on the Spending Review, we urge them to treat mental health equally with physical health,” the letter – signed by Norman Lamb, Dr Maureen Baker, chair of the Royal College of GPs, and other leading figures – said.
The government will publish it’s Spending Review on 25 November 2015 to set the spending limits and explain to the public the improvements they can expect from the government, in light of the announced spending plan.
In response to the campaign, Jeremy Hunt, secretary of state for health, added: “We have made great strides in the way that we think about, and treat, mental health in this country. Whether it is our talking therapies reaching more than three million people, the police working with mental health nurses to aid those in crisis, or school counsellors helping young people with eating disorders, we are making good progress.
“But we are committed to doing more. This campaign can play a vital role and we are making sure everyone has the care they need when they need it, seven days a week.”
