Mental health service budgets 'cut by 8%'

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Mental health trusts in England have seen their budgets fall by more than 8% in real terms over the course of this parliament, figures suggest.

The reduction, worth almost £600m, was revealed through research by BBC News and the online journal Community Care.

At the same time, referrals to community mental health teams, which help people avoid being admitted to hospital, have risen nearly 20%.

Care minister Norman Lamb said budgets were "not the full picture".

He added: "Mental health care is given through a range of services including the voluntary sector
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-31970871