Spending on mental health services per person

This chart shows how much is spent on mental health services per person (per capita, adjusted for mental health need) across England or within an ICB area. It currently shows the actual amount spent for the last five financial years for which spending data is available and planned spending for 2023/24. The figures can be examined from a national perspective, or at ICB level. You can also compare data with up to four other areas.

Exploring the charts: To explore ICBs, click on the tab then click in the box to compare data sets.

Policy context

As part of the NHS Long Term Plan, the Government has committed to ensuring mental health services to continue to receive a growing share of the NHS budget, increasing by at least £2.3 billion a year in real terms by 2023/24.

The Mental Health Investment Standard (MHIS), set by NHS England, requires all CCGs in England to increase their spending on mental health services by a greater proportion than their overall increase in budget allocation each year. MHIS assessments do not take spending on Learning Disability and Dementia services into account. 

While there are no specific national or regional targets for spending on mental health services per person, given the commitment for national spending to be increased by at least £2.3 billion annually, it is anticipated that spending will rise.

Notes: We have standardised the figures to take account of mental health need in ICB areas using NHS England needs-based population data for 2018/19-2023/24 inclusive. These data also include spending on Learning Disability and Dementia services. Any additional allocations made to ICBs during the 2023/24 financial year will be reflected in final spending figures for that year.

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