Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what recent steps his Department has taken to help tackle child health (a) inequalities and (b) issues linked to child poverty.

In November 2022, NHS England published Core20PLUS5, an approach to reducing health inequalities for children and young people at a national and system level. The approach defines a target population and identifies five clinical areas requiring accelerated improvement: asthma, diabetes, epilepsy, oral health, and mental health.

The Department leads a range of public health interventions and guidance for ages 0 to 19 years old that provide universal support, but also help identify further needs and safeguarding concerns. We also deliver programmes targeted at particular populations, including the Family Nurse Partnership to support vulnerable young mothers, the Healthy Start scheme for low-income families, and targeted Mental Health Support Teams in schools.

On 9 February 2023, the Government confirmed the 75 eligible local authorities who will deliver approximately £300 million Family Hubs and Start for Life programme, and the 14 local authorities selected as programme trailblazers. The programme’s objective is to join up and enhance services delivered through transformed Family Hubs. This will ensure all parents and carers can access the support they need at the time they need it.

By investing in 75 local authorities with high levels of deprivation, we aim to help reduce inequalities in health and education outcomes for babies, children, and families across England.