A CHARITY is demanding that the government rigorously assess the mental health impacts of all new policies before they are put into place.

The Centre for Mental Health issued a call to action in a report released today, urging political parties to enact a “robust” test on policies — from those encompassing housing and the environment to benefits and immigration — before they are implemented.

Titled “policies for better mental health,” the report argues that such tests would prevent harm and lead to more sustainable, “net positive” policies.

Centre for Mental Health chief executive Andy Bell said: “Every government policy affects our mental health, for good or ill.

“A mental health policy test is a simple and effective way of ensuring the greatest benefits and reducing risks.

“Alongside a national mental health plan and a mental health commissioner at the heart of government, the policy test could change the way policies get made and have a major and lasting impact on the lives of millions of people nationwide.”

The report was published following Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s unveiling of a slew of proposed alterations to the welfare system.

Last month, Mr Sunak suggested that “greater medical evidence” could be required to substantiate a PIP (personal independence payment) claim, and complained that too many people with mental health conditions were claiming the benefit. 

The Centre for Mental Health report argues that robust tests would warn policymakers of the harms of reducing benefits and increased financial strain on those already struggling with their mental health.

Mental illness, including substance misuse, currently accounts for 21.3 per cent of English disease burden.