The mental health ring fence has been calculated in line with previous years based on expenditure trends over time. The expectation takes account of overall funding package, demographics and the minimum overall increase of 1.5% received by some DHBs for 2015/16.

Background

DHBs have been required to maintain a mental health ring fence since the devolution of mental health service funding in July 2001. The ring fence was put in place to protect specialist mental health and addiction service investment and development. Mental health funding must be used for specialist mental health and addiction services for people most severely affected by a mental illness or alcohol or other drug issue.