Recent research carried out by the Royal College of Psychiatrists in Scotland has described the level of spending on child and adolescent mental health services (CAMHS) as a ‘postcode lottery’.  The review found that spending per head on services aimed at those aged 0-17 years varied ‘significantly’ across Scotland. 

Startling contrasts were found across the region, such as the Western Isles receiving £156 per head compared to Orkney, with a similar population size, receiving £20 per head in 2019/20.  Disparities were also found between Fife and Tayside, where £44 was spent per head in Fife compared to £105 per head being spent in Tayside during the same period. Areas such as Glasgow and Greater Clyde received around £90 per head compared to Lothain receiving £103 per head.

The chairwoman of CAMHS faculty at the Royal College of Psychiatrists in Scotland, Dr Helen Smith, told a recent interview; ‘The level of spending on CAMHS across the country really is quite striking.  Huge areas are vastly underfunded, while other areas with lower population are receiving more money’.

‘We do welcome recent investment of £40 million, but it’s only the first step towards ensuring that is equivalent resourcing for children and young people’s physical and mental healthcare’, she said.

The Scottish Government published a mental health transition and recovery plan in October last year, which details a number of action points in response to the mental health need arising from the pandemic.  Included within the fund is a £40 million investment into improving CAMHS services across the country.  This is part of the larger Mental Health Recovery and Renewal Fund totalling £120 million, which also includes around £15 million being earmarked for clearing backlogs in CAMHS and Psychological Therapy waiting lists.

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Carrie Plummer - Editor & Content Manager