Grant worth £190 to expectant mothers to be scrapped
The latest benefit to be axed as part of the new Conservative/Liberal Democrat Government’s cuts regime is the Health in Pregnancy Grant, only introduced by the Labour Government last year.
Local MP Jon Trickett has been approached by a number of constituents who are deeply concerned about losing the extra money provided by the Labour Government and he has raised the issue in The Houses of Parliament, attacking the Government for taking the grant, worth almost £200 from some of the poorest families in the
In a number of written Parliamentary Questions to the Secretary of State, Mr Trickett demanded to know how many people would be affected in the Hemsworth constituency, what thought had been given to the health of expectant mothers and what effect the cuts would have on children born in these poorer circumstances.
The Health in Pregnancy Grant was introduced by Labour to provide women with additional financial support in the last few months towards the costs of a healthy lifestlye of their pregnancy as it is widely acknowledged as important for the health and development of a child later in life.
Jon Trickett said:
I have consistently argued, both whilst Labour were in Government and now from the backbenches, for the Government to keep investing in our economy. The only way to get out of recession is through investment and I believe that this is best channeled through the public services.
I am appalled that the Coalition Government is depriving women of the opportunity to give their children the best possible start in life and I will continue to fight against all such cuts that will affect the people I was elected to represent.