As millions of voters prepare to go to the polls on 7 May, the Centre for Mental Health has called on all English council candidates to pledge their support for its Mentally Healthier Councils Framework.
Across England, 5,014 council seats in 136 local authorities will be contested on election day, alongside elections for the Scottish Parliament and the Senedd in Wales. The organisation says the elections represent a crucial opportunity for local leaders to prioritise mental health in decision‑making.
The call comes amid growing concern about the nation’s mental health. The Centre for Mental Health warns that levels of mental distress are rising, while access to timely support remains uneven.
Currently, one in five children and one in four adults are living with a mental health problem. People experiencing mental ill health are less likely to be in work, more likely to have poor physical health, and have a shorter life expectancy than the wider population. Long waiting times for treatment continue to place additional pressure on individuals and families.
The organisation argues that this situation is unjust, but not inevitable.
Local councils have a significant influence on mental health outcomes through their public health responsibilities and wider powers over the social and environmental conditions that shape people’s lives.
To support action at a local level, the Centre for Mental Health has developed the Mentally Healthier Councils Framework.
The Framework sets out a 10‑point checklist of practical approaches that councils can adopt to embed mental health into policies, services and commissioning decisions. These approaches align with the key building blocks of mental health, focusing not only on treatment but on prevention and the wider determinants of wellbeing.
The organisation is calling on all candidates standing in the 2026 local elections in England to pledge support for the Framework if elected.
From Best Start Family Hubs, youth services and housing support, to inclusive use of libraries, parks and leisure centres, councils play a vital role in creating environments where people can thrive.
By taking a whole‑council approach to mental health, the organisation says local authorities can reduce pressure on overstretched health services while improving quality of life for residents.
With mental health now a concern for communities across the country, the Centre for Mental Health believes council elections present a moment for candidates to demonstrate leadership and commitment.
By endorsing the Mentally Healthier Councils Framework, candidates can signal their intention to:
- Tackle mental health inequalities
- Embed wellbeing into local policy
- Use council powers to prevent mental health problems before they escalate
Centre for Mental Health Chief Executive Andy Bell commented:
“Local councils can make a big difference to the mental health of the communities they serve. We urge all council candidates to back our manifesto and pledge to take action to improve mental health in their local areas. A mentally healthier future is possible if councils take the steps needed to achieve it.”
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