Statement regarding Labour’s Child Health Action Plan

Yesterday (January 11 2024) the Labour Party published their Child Health Action Plan which includes cutting waiting lists for children, transforming dentistry and addressing the mental health needs of young people.

Health Equity North Academic Co-directors Professor Kate Pickett and David Taylor-Robinson have commented on these plans:

Professor Pickett said: “Labour’s Child Health Action Plan is a big step in the right direction to creating a fairer future for children and enabling them to fulfil their potential. Too many of our children suffer poor health and development, too often exacerbated by the many ill effects of poverty and inequality. In some areas of the North as many as 1 in 2 children are living in poverty. Having more opportunities to live a healthy life will make a significant difference to the most adversely affected families in our communities, and it’s crucial that these families are prioritised.”

Professor Taylor-Robinson said: “As set out in our Child of the North report recommendations, it’s crucial that the Government invest more in welfare, health and social care systems that support children’s health, with investment proportionate to levels of need.  This includes ensuring children have access to nutritional food – both at home and at school- and having access to effective mental health provision. Addressing rising rates of child poverty is imperative for improving all of the aspects of child health that Labour have outlined,  and we are pleased to hear that they are prioritising the most vulnerable”

The Child of the North Cost of Living Crisis report can be viewed here.