IT IS regrettable that funding for mental health services has become a point of political disagreement in the Cotswolds [News, Dec 20].

Nationally, Liberal Democrat MP Norman Lamb has led the campaign for parity of esteem for mental health services and has established a cross-party group in support. 

Spending decisions are of course a combination of funding settlements handed down by central government and priorities set locally. 

Support for this vital service will only be achieved if politicians of all parties recognise it as one of the major challenges facing our political generation.

The tragedy, and for once it is not too strong a word, is that this is a classic case of false economy. 

Failure to invest in early intervention can too often lead to costly and inappropriate treatment at a later stage and, far more importantly, condemn patients and their families to even greater suffering. 

Potential solutions can include relatively simple and inexpensive initiatives like placing non-medical practitioners in GP surgeries. 

The charity “Place2Be” is an excellent example of good practice, working to embed counsellors in schools, among much else. 

Many readers will have personal experience of the terrifying and tragic effects of mental illness. 

Health secretary Jeremy Hunt and the Conservative government have so far failed to match Norman Lamb’s campaign with action.

It is time for politicians of all parties to face up to this issue. 

ANDREW GANT
Liberal Democrat prospective Parliamentary candidate for The Cotswolds