Written question asked by Tim Loughton (Conservative) on Thursday, 2 December 2004, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 21 December 2004. It was answered by Baroness Winterton of Doncaster (Labour) on Tuesday, 21 December 2004 on behalf of the Department of Health.

Dept of Health

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, how many mental health facilities have (a) closed down and (b) run skeletal services due to cuts in Government funding in 2003-04 or forecast for 2004-05. - Including figures.

Answer: Tim Loughton: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many mental health facilities have (a) closed down and (b) run skeletal services due to cuts in Government funding in 2003-04 or forecast for 2004-05. [203190] Ms Rosie Winterton: The information requested is not centrally available. In accordance with our policy of shifting the balance of power, supported by other national policy documents, such as the national service framework for mental health, primary care trusts (PCTs), in conjunction with their strategic health authorities and other local stakeholders, are responsible for assessing local health needs, and planning the delivery of their services accordingly. However, between 2001-02 and 2003-04, the Government invested over £300 million extra in mental health services. Furthermore, my right hon. Friend, the Chancellor of the Exchequer announced in his 2002 budget statement the largest sustained increase in funding of any five year period in the history of the national health service. This investment has helped to deliver significant improvements in primary, secondary and community care. Details of these improvements will be set out in a report to be published by the National Director for Mental Health shortly.

Secondary information