Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Cost of Living: Mental Health

Tuesday 7 March 2023 · 3 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 0 Partly answered 3 Not answered 0

Key points

  • The Government have invested 50 million through the better mental health fund in 40 local authorities that are most deprived to boost prevention and early intervention.
  • This Government have provided a 37 billion package, including 15 billion of targeted support for those most in need.
  • The funding for a crisis centre in Stafford is noted, along with highlights on mental health ambulances and community intervention measures.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Angela Crawley SNP
Economy Mental Health
Context

The Royal College of Psychiatrists in Scotland reported that 52% of Scots are concerned about the impact of rising prices on their mental health. Poverty is a key driver of poor mental health, and those already struggling with financial issues may face exacerbated mental health challenges.

Question

What recent assessment has been made of the potential impact of the cost of living crisis on long-term trends in levels of mental ill health? The Royal College of Psychiatrists found that 52% of Scots are concerned about rising prices impacting their mental health. Poverty drives poor mental health, and those already struggling with financial worries may be hardest hit.

Answer from Maria Caulfield

The Government have invested £50 million through the better mental health fund in 40 local authorities that are most deprived. This funding aims to boost prevention and early intervention, supporting those hardest hit by the pandemic and cost of living.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Discussions with Cabinet colleagues on specific policies' impact on mental health were not addressed

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Q2 Angela Crawley SNP
Economy Benefits & Welfare Mental Health
Context

The Royal College of Psychiatrists in Scotland reported that 52% of Scots are concerned about the impact of rising prices on their mental health. Poverty is a key driver of poor mental health, and those already struggling with financial issues may face exacerbated mental health challenges.

Question

What discussions has the Minister had with her Cabinet colleagues on the consequences of policies such as the punitive sanctions regime that are shown to increase anxiety and harm to people's mental health?

Answer from Maria Caulfield

This Government have provided a £37 billion package, including £15 billion of targeted support for those most in need. This includes help with council tax, electricity payments, and an 8 million person £1,200 payment to address energy costs.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Discussions on specific policies' impact on mental health were not addressed

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Q3 Theo Clarke
Education Mental Health
Context

New funding has been received for a crisis assessment centre at St George's Hospital in Stafford. Schools are crucial environments for early intervention and support.

Question

Welcoming the Government's commitment to tackling mental ill health, what further steps are being taken to improve access to mental health support, especially in schools?

Answer from Maria Caulfield

The funding for a crisis centre in Stafford is noted. Mental health ambulances and community intervention measures are also highlighted.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific steps to improve school-based mental health support were not detailed

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