The government has confirmed that the share of NHS spending on mental health fell in 2024/25 and is set to fall further in 2025/26.

Saffron Cordery, interim chief executive, NHS Providers, said:

"It's deeply disappointing that the share of NHS spending on mental health is set to fall next year at a time of soaring demand for services.

"It's time to give mental health the priority it deserves. For years national support and resources for mental health services have lagged far behind what is given to physical health. Lord Darzi highlighted in his recent report to government that mental health accounts for more than 20% of the disease burden but less than 10% of NHS expenditure.

"Despite seeing record numbers of people, mental health services are experiencing huge increases in demand - considerably higher than before the Covid-19 pandemic - particularly for services like children and young people's ADHD and autism assessment services. Nobody in the NHS wants mental health patients to wait a moment longer than they have to and trust leaders and staff are doing everything they can to see patients as quickly as possible, in the face of extreme pressure and significant challenges.

"Also, many NHS mental health services desperately need more national capital investment to modernise outdated buildings and facilities, to give patients safer and more therapeutic surroundings and to give staff better conditions to work in.

"The government's promised 10-year health plan is a golden chance to help mental health services keep improving.”