The Institute of Health Visiting (iHV) is supporting calls to strengthen the Healthy Start scheme following the publication of new analysis showing that expanding eligibility could generate an estimated £7.7 billion in net societal benefits over the next 10 years.
The research, commissioned by The Food Foundation and Sustain and undertaken by the University of Birmingham, found that extending Healthy Start to all families receiving Universal Credit would deliver a return of £2.36 for every £1 invested through reduced food insecurity, improved household finances and wider economic benefits.
The report also highlights that Healthy Start payments have not kept pace with rising food prices. Had they increased in line with food inflation since 2021, weekly payments would now be worth £5.88, compared with the current £4.65.
Alison Morton OBE, CEO iHV, said:
“Healthy Start is one of the most important early intervention programmes we have to support babies, young children and pregnant women living in poverty. Health visitors see every day the impact that financial hardship and food insecurity can have on a child’s development, health and wellbeing, particularly during the critical first 1,001 days of life.
“This new analysis reinforces what health professionals have long understood: investing in good nutrition in pregnancy and early childhood delivers lasting benefits for children, families and society. Expanding Healthy Start eligibility and ensuring payments keep pace with the rising cost of healthy food would help more families access the nutritious foods they need during this crucial stage of life and help deliver on the Government’s ambition to raise the healthiest generation of children ever.
“At a time when health inequalities are widening, strengthening Healthy Start is a practical, evidence-based measure that can improve health outcomes, reduce pressures on public services, and help give every child the best possible start in life.”
The Food Foundation and Sustain recommend that the Government:
- Increases the value of Healthy Start payments in line with food inflation to weekly values of £5.88 and keep aligned to inflation.
- Expands eligibility to all families in receipt of Universal Credit and increase the age threshold to include children aged four in line with the Free School Meal entitlement expansion, and extend eligibility to families with no recourse to public funds who meet the standard eligibility criteria.
The iHV joins partners in calling for Healthy Start payments to be increased in line with inflation and for eligibility to be extended so that more families can access vital nutritional support during pregnancy and the early years.
