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Sean Duggan, chief executive of the Mental Health Network, which is part of the NHS Confederation, responded to Rethink Mental Illness' report, This Could Cost Lives

“This vital and timely report is impossible to ignore. It is deeply disturbing to think that individuals suffering from mental ill-health can find themselves without essential support at the most vulnerable time of their lives.

“Supported housing plays a crucial role in preventing homelessness for people with mental health issues and reduces the amount of hospital delayed discharges, providing the best chance for a full recovery.

“Under the current proposals, short-term tenants have no guarantees their housing costs will be covered and will be forced to live day-to-day without the security of a tenancy agreement. “The system being further destabilised and already cash-strapped councils being landed with yet another funding burden will only place further pressure on the health and care system.

“It is imperative the government considers the findings in this report when deciding its plans for funding social housing this summer.”