COST-CUTTING has led Darlington Council to cancel its commitment to a charter that promotes mental health awareness in the workplace.

The authority has decided not to continue its membership of the Mindful Employer Charter which encourages employers to support employees with mental health problems.

It costs the council around £250 each time it is reviewed by the organisation and a council spokeswoman said that associated administration costs were also taken into account when deciding whether to stay in the scheme.

She said: "After careful consideration the council decided not to renew membership to the Mindful Employer Charter accreditation.

“This decision is part of larger cost-cutting measures.

“Due to the impact of government cuts, all areas where money is spent are being reviewed and although the cost of renewing the actual accreditation was relatively low there was also resourcing implications with regard to administering and evidencing the requirements of the scheme.

“Whilst the council will not be using the mindful employer logo it is still committed to the good practice built up over the years which has been embedded into our policies and procedures."

The Mindful Employer Charter was launched by the Devon NHS Partnership Trust in 2004 before being rolled out nationally.

There are more than 1,000 organisations which have made a commitment to the charter that highlights the importance of supporting staff with mental health issues.