HC Deb 17 April 1989 vol 151 cc47-8W
Mr. Goodlad

To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) what funds have been specifically earmarked for the care of the mentally ill following the closure of mental hospitals in(a) the current and (b) each of the last two years in each health region;

(2) on what information about mental health his Department has allocated funds to regional health authorities in the current year.

Mr. Freeman

For the most part, allocations to regional health authorities do not make separate provision for individual clinical services or client groups. It is for authorities to determine how the resources available to them should be spent in line with national policy guidelines and their assessment of local needs and priorities.

A total of £6 million has, however, been made available over the last three years specifically for mental illness development projects in the community. The aim of this initiative has been to establish or improve multidisciplinary community-based services for people with mental illness, especially adults suffering from serious disorders. Regional shares of these funds are shown in the table.

Additionally, joint finance is available to support the development of community services planned jointly by health and local authorities and the voluntary sector and to promote the shift from hospital to community care. The total joint finance allocation to regions in each of the last three years has been:

Year £ million cash
1987–88 110.9
1988–89 112.9
1989–90 118.5

Some two thirds of these allocations have been or will be spent on services for mentally handicapped, mentally ill and younger physically disabled people.

Mental Illness Development Projects: Allocations
RHA 1986–87 (£000s cash) 1987–88 (£000s cash) 1988–89 (£000s cash) 1989–90 (£000s cash)
Northern 139 144 151
Yorkshire 106 161 169
Trent 10 114 137 144
East Anglian 15 149 149 1
North East Thames 128 143 164
North West Thames 35 139 145 112
South East Thames 113 115 120
South West Thames 145 161 126
Wessex 166 202 53
Oxford 18 149 134 112
South Western 73 161 202
West Midlands 25 142 196 175
Mersey 33 99 142 152
North Western 141 137 144
Bethlem and Maudsley SHA 141 74 78
Totals 2136 1,944 32,221 1,902
Notes:
1 East Anglian's 1989–90 allocation is still the subject of discussion between the Region and the Department.
2 Includes £40k issued as capital.
3 includes £284k issued as capital.