Alex urges Government to invest in babies after years of cuts left children falling behind

Speaking in Parliament, Alex Brewer MP called for greater investment in babies, arguing that years of cuts have harmed children's health and education outcomes, and cost the country billions.

Under the previous Conservative government, real terms early years welfare spending per child in England fell by around 26 per cent, roughly £1,000 less support per child, and 779 children's centres across England have closed since 2011. Currently the nearest Best Start Hub is a minimum 30 minute drive from Ms Brewers constituency, North East Hampshire, leaving local families without a genuine one stop shop for early years support.

The impact is stark. Last year, 37% of children started reception unprepared for school, almost a quarter of Hampshire's reception age children were overweight or obese, and nearly 1,500 children in the county were identified as being in need.

Research shows investing in a child's first 1,000 days improves these outcomes and saves money in the long term, with the Health and Social Care Select Committee estimating early intervention could add £45.5 billion to the economy each year, returning up to £200 for every £1 invested.

Alex Brewer MP said:

"When public services are stretched to breaking point and families have nowhere local to turn, a child falls through the cracks. Teachers end up teaching basic life skills, healthcare professionals pick up the pieces once conditions have gone too far, and the taxpayer foots the bill for costs that were entirely preventable.

"Every pound spent supporting babies in their first days is a pound that saves many times over later, in better health, better education, and better life outcomes."