Trusts’ finances considered healthy

Mental health trusts are performing well financially compared with acute healthcare trusts, according to a report this week.

Mental health trusts were more likely to break even over the last three years than those in the acute sector but faced several challenges, including a lack of good quality data to support financial decision-making, the Audit Commission said.

The report comes as mental health campaigners raise concerns over cuts to trusts’ budgets.

Rethink chief executive Cliff Prior said mental health budgets were “exposed to the risk of being raided” because of new targets for physical services to produce surpluses.

• Managing Finances in Mental Health: www.audit-commission.gov.uk