BPS responds to chancellor's Autumn Statement
The BPS has responded to the chancellor’s Autumn Statement, calling it a ‘missed opportunity’ to prioritise NHS staff mental health and wellbeing, and raising concerns about the move towards greater benefit sanctions for those unable to work due to mental and physical health problems.
22 November 2023
The society is disappointed to see no mention of investment in NHS staff mental health and wellbeing services, as the workforce crisis continues to worsen. The publication of the NHS Long Term Workforce Plan, referenced by the chancellor, earlier in the year is welcome but we know many challenges lay ahead before the impact of this plan can be felt.
We are also incredibly concerned about the announcement from the chancellor that there will be tougher benefit restrictions on people who cannot work due to long-term mental health conditions and disabilities.
The commitment to invest further in NHS Talking Therapies to support claimants struggling with their mental health is welcome, but the challenge will be ensuring the workforce is in place to provide these services.
While it is pleasing to see the government uprate benefits in-line with September's inflation rate, as previously called for by the BPS, this is the minimum action the government needs to take in order to support people who are struggling across the country.
Dr Roman Raczka, President-Elect of the BPS, said:
"The links between poverty and mental health are clear and well known, and by choosing to increase the threat of benefit sanctions, the government has failed to take the compassionate approach which is needed to support people back into work when they are struggling with their mental and physical health.
"We know the threat of sanctions do not work, and what is needed to support people into rewarding work is access to appropriate professional support, so this decision is not only damaging and disappointing, but is in fact counterintuitive. It will create fear and worry amongst some of the most vulnerable in society and is hugely concerning.
"This Autumn Statement is also missed opportunity from the government, with it failing to make the NHS central to its spending plans, and provide vital long-term funding for mental health and wellbeing support for health and social care staff.
"Staff are the lifeblood of the NHS, and the latest sickness figures highlight exactly why the government needs to complement local investment into high-quality, dedicated psychological support for health and care staff."