Health and Social Services Minister Lesley Griffiths AM has reassured AMs that there will be no reduction in funding for the implementation of the Mental Health (Wales) Measure.
During a debate in the Senedd this week the Minister was asked the following question by Angela Burns AM.
“Minister, you will know that the Welsh Conservatives have expressed concerns about the level of health expenditure. One concern is that the Mental Health (Wales) Measure 2010 must be able to deliver for the most vulnerable in society. What reassurance can you give to the people of Wales, that there will be no reduction in funding for the implementation of this incredibly important Measure?”
The Minister stated: “Following the agreement of the final budget, I can confirm that, from 2012-13, the implementation of the Mental Health (Wales) Measure 2010 will be supported by £5.5 million per annum of Welsh Government funding: £3.5 million to support implementation and running costs for local primary mental health support services under Part 1; and £2 million to support the expanded independent mental health advocacy service under Part 4.
“The level of funding that the Welsh Government is providing is in line with the Measure‘s explanatory memorandum, and the anticipated cost of implementing the Measure will be met with the funding that we have provided.”