REDDITCH MP Chris Bloore has exposed a stark funding disparity between physical and mental health care during a Westminster Hall debate on parity of esteem.
Speaking in the debate led by Liz Twist MP, Mr Bloore highlighted while mental health conditions accounted for 28 per cent of the total NHS caseload, it received only 13 per cent of overall NHS funding.
This is despite parity of esteem being a legal requirement for over a decade.
The debate comes as local mental health services across Worcestershire face pressure, with long waiting times for adult therapies and Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS).
Mr Bloore argued if the NHS was serious about achieving genuine parity of esteem, funding must follow political commitments.
He warned the current disparity led to over-reliance on crisis management and unacceptable waiting lists for people in Redditch.
He said: “Parity of esteem has been a legal requirement for over a decade.
“If we are serious about parity of esteem, the spending must follow the rhetoric.
“Mental health affects every community, every workplace and every family.
“We have moved beyond the idea mental health should sit in the shadows.
“Our funding decisions must now catch up with that change.
“Parity of esteem cannot just exist in legislation or speeches.
“It must be reflected in how services are commissioned, staffed and delivered.
“When people cannot access support early, problems escalate.
“This has consequences for individuals, families, schools, employers and the wider NHS.”
