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.