Local councils have a big impact on the mental health of the communities and people they serve. Councils with public health responsibilities assess and plan to improve the health of their residents. The services they provide, from health visiting and school nursing to stop smoking and addiction services, all contribute to better mental health.
Local councils’ wider powers and roles across the building blocks of health also have a direct impact on our mental health. From housing, Family Hubs and youth services to libraries and leisure centres, local council services can boost our mental health. Councils’ planning, economic development and environmental responsibilities also affect mental health. Decisions made with residents’ mental health in mind will be better, healthier, and more sustainable.
For the 2026 local elections in England, we’re calling on all council candidates to pledge to support our Mentally Healthier Councils Framework, published in February 2026.
The Framework, developed with support from The Health Foundation, aims to embed mental health as a core priority in all council strategies, policies, and operations – creating a mentally healthier environment for both residents and the workforce.
Why mental health matters more than ever in 2026
The public’s mental health is getting worse. One in five children and one in four adults is living with a mental health problem. Rates of mental ill health among children have doubled in the last 20 years.
Mental ill health costs £300 billion a year in England. That’s the equivalent of £2 billion for every upper tier local council area.
People with mental health problems don’t have a fair chance in life. They are less likely to be able to work. They have poorer physical health and a shorter life expectancy. Many face long waits for treatment. This is unjust, but it can change with the right support.
The Framework is a 10-point checklist of approaches to embed mentally healthier policies and initiatives, which align with the key building blocks of mental health. Each one outlines practical steps that councils can take to promote wellbeing and reduce risk factors that harm mental health. All of them have been demonstrated to improve mental health, and they are not too costly to councils.
The Framework sets out a clear, practical call to action for councils of all sizes to strengthen mental health and wellbeing across their communities and workforce. Grounded in prevention, early intervention, and evidence of what works, it recognises that councils start from different places and capacities. Through leadership, collaboration, and shared learning across the Mentally Healthier Councils Network, every council can play a vital role in improving mental health and reducing inequalities.
We urge all council candidates to support this manifesto and pledge to make the public’s mental health a priority this year. All elected members are also eligible to join our Mentally Healthier Councils Network. It’s free to join and gives you information, advice and ideas to put mental health at the heart of your community.
A 10-Point manifesto for a mentally healthier council
Ask your candidates to pledge their support
If there are elections in your local area on May 7, you can support mental health in your community by asking council candidates to endorse the Framework and promise to deliver on it. Download the manifesto at the link below.
