Local MP demands debate on future of mental health services

2.28.52pm GMT Sat 28th Jan 2006

David Howarth, MP for Cambridge, has demanded a debate in Parliament on the future of mental health services.

His demand follows the decision by Cambridge City and South Cambridgeshire Primary Care Trusts to go ahead with almost all of the £3 million worth of budget cuts proposed and was raised during Business Questions yesterday in the House of Commons.

Commenting, Mr. Howarth said:

"The terrible cuts that are happening in Cambridge are being repeated all over the country. The government has said that they consider mental health a priority but have not provided the funding to back this up.

"Instead £3 million are being taken from vital services in Cambridge and the Department of Health is just standing idly by. It is time that the Government took mental health seriously"