Commons Sense

House of Commons · General Debate

Healthy Start Scheme (Take-Up) (No. 2)

14 June 2023 · 1 other contributor

Opened by Emma Lewell-Buck Lab South Shields

Benefits & Welfare

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Emma Lewell-Buck raised concerns about healthy start scheme (take-up) (no. 2) in the House of Commons. Other MPs contributed to the debate.

Key points

  • The Healthy Start Scheme aims to provide financial assistance to pregnant women and families with young children through a prepaid card.
  • Take-up of the scheme is low at 75% in two constituencies, leaving 53 million unclaimed.
  • Poor awareness among the public and professionals, along with digital barriers, hinder application processes.

How the debate unfolded

MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.

Opened the debate

Emma Lewell-Buck Lab South Shields

The scheme aims to provide financial assistance in the form of a prepaid card for pregnant women and families with young children claiming certain benefits, but its take-up is low at only 75% in two constituencies, leading to £53 million unclaimed. The issue stems from poor awareness among the public and professionals, and digital barriers that prevent those without adequate internet access or technical skills from applying. Emma Lewell-Buck advocates for an opt-out system to ensure no baby or infant goes without essential nutrition.

Other contributors (1)
  • Emma Lewell-Buck Lab South Shields

    Healthy Start scheme aims to provide financial assistance for nutritious diets, but take-up is low due to poor awareness and digital barriers. Emma proposes an opt-out system to increase uptake and ensure essential nutrition reaches all eligible families.

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