Today, the Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rachel Reeves, announced the Spending Review 2025/26. In it, there was 3% real terms boost in NHS funding and some small relevant announcements for mental health.

Responding on behalf of Mental Health Matters, Chief Executive Officer, Jane Hughes:

"Any increase in investment in the NHS will be invaluable and warmly welcomed across the sector.

However, what has been echoed across the NHS Confederation Expo today, mental health must receive its fair share of the funding. It was deeply disappointing when there was a failure to reach the Mental Health Investment Standard last year and the sector will be stretched further if that is allowed to happen again.

The shift from treatment to prevention is one that has barely begun. National leaders have underpinned the necessity of establishing alternatives to crisis, and we call on the government to make a serious commitment to invest in these.

The acknowledgement of employment support, particularly the Connect to Work programme, will be transformative for those who want support on the path back to employment."