Mental Health Handouts Cost More Than Policing in Some Areas

By the Editorial Team · Monday, October 19, 2026

In parts of England, spending on Personal Independence Payments for mental health conditions now exceeds local police budgets, with Durham and Merseyside seeing mental health PIP costs of £195 million and £512 million annually compared to police budgets of £189 million and £509 million, respectively. This reflects a doubling of mental health claimants since before the pandemic and highlights growing financial strains on public services as demand for mental health support outpaces police funding increases.

In certain regions of England, government spending on Personal Independence Payments (PIP) for mental health conditions now exceeds the budgets allocated to local police forces. Recent analysis reveals that in the Durham police force area, annual PIP payments related to psychiatric disorders amount to approximately £195 million, surpassing the £189 million allocated for policing the county. Similarly, Merseyside’s mental health PIP expenditures reach around £512 million a year, overtaking the police force budget of £509 million.

These figures represent a significant increase in mental health claims over recent years. Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, mental health-related PIP costs were substantially lower—£69 million in Durham and £182 million in Merseyside. Since then, the number of claimants citing mental health as their primary condition has doubled in both areas, with anxiety disorders identified as a leading cause. Furthermore, claims related to autism have tripled in these regions. Notably, in Merseyside, the number of claimants diagnosed with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) has surged, rising from 1,391 to 5,749.

During the same period, funding increases for police forces have been comparatively modest. Police funding in the affected areas has grown by roughly 50 percent, a rate sharply criticized by Durham’s police and crime commissioner, Joy Allen. Allen described the existing funding formula as “deplorably inadequate and outdated,” highlighting concerns over resourcing as mental health-related social service demands continue to expand.

Beyond Durham and Merseyside, this pattern is visible in other parts of England and Wales. In twelve out of the 42 police force areas, costs associated with mental health PIP are now equivalent to at least 80 percent of the respective police budgets. The growing disparity between mental health welfare payments and policing resources raises questions about the allocation of public funds and the evolving needs of both social support systems and law enforcement agencies.

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), responsible for administering PIP, was approached for comment but had not provided a response at the time of reporting. The data points to broader societal shifts in mental health prevalence and the financial pressures these changes place on regional government budgets.

This article was reported by synthesizing coverage from multiple independent news outlets to present a balanced, unbiased account. Read about our editorial standards. Spotted an error? Let us know.