£10bn health policies failing under-fives
Billions of pounds of investment in health policies for the under-fives has ‘barely changed’ the inequality gap between rich and poor in England, according to a watchdog.
The Audit Commission found significant differences between children under five, with those in deprived areas 8% more likely to be obese and 9% more likely to be underweight at birth.
Since 1998, the commission estimates £10.9bn of funding has been invested in health programmes aimed, in whole or in part, at improving the health of the under fives.
But Giving children a healthy start says this has not produced widespread improvements, with some indicators, including obesity and dental health, worsening.
Research also found children from minority groups have poorer health and their parents are less likely to access mainstream health services because of awareness issues or cultural preferences.
Improving early years’ health ‘contributes considerably’ to better health outcomes in later life’, says the report, and has a ‘significant impact’ on wider society.
The report also warns: ‘Public services will be under significant financial pressure over the coming decade and the investment in early years’ health has not so far resulted in notably improved outcomes.’
The commission makes a series of recommendations for government, which, it says, would lead to better value for money including monitoring and reviewing the impact of the economic downturn and its potential financial impact on children’s services.
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