VOX Scotland submitted evidence to the Health, Social Care and Sport Committee’s call for views to inform their pre-budget scrutiny for 2026–27, with a particular focus on mental health spending.
As Scotland’s national organisation for collective advocacy for people living with mental ill health, VOX has drawn on the experiences and perspectives of our members to highlight the urgent need for increased — and better targeted — investment in mental health.
Our response stresses:
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That spending on mental health must rise in line with growing need, as the prevalence of mental illness continues to increase.
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The importance of investing in community-based and preventative services, rather than relying on short-term or crisis-driven interventions.
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Concerns over cuts to local third sector services that play a vital role in keeping people well and reducing demand on acute NHS services.
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The need for much greater transparency in how mental health budgets are allocated and spent, and for people with lived experience to be fully involved in shaping spending priorities.