Millions of adults and children in England could face longer waits for mental health care, as over two-thirds of NHS providers plan service reductions and half anticipate job cuts. This comes as mental health services are already under significant pressure due to rising demand.
A national survey by the NHS Alliance found that 68% of NHS trusts offering mental health services are likely to reduce or close some services in 2026-27. Additionally, 59% of respondents expect to freeze vacancies, and 57% are likely to cut clinical staff numbers this year.
Key services that may be affected include child and adolescent mental health care, talking therapies, addiction support, and help for adults in crisis. Community programmes, including those for ethnic minorities and low-income groups, may also see reductions.
Experts have warned that these proposed cuts, intended to address financial shortfalls, could have significant consequences for the wider NHS, the economy, and public services. Mental health charities have stated that if funding for staff and services is cut, meaningful improvements to care will be impossible.
The Department of Health and Social Care stated it is investing a record £16.1bn into mental health services this year and has recruited over 8,500 additional mental health workers. They also announced the rollout of 159 new NHS mental health facilities across England, backed by £343m in funding, with a mental health strategy due later this year to outline future plans.