Delivering the promised ‘healthiest generation of children’

A crucial element of this goal will be improving the health of the nation’s children – who are currently experiencing some of the worst health outcomes in Europe. From rising obesity rates, to falling heights and increased mental health issues, the evidence is clear that our children are not as healthy as they should be.

This decline is not only concerning in terms of health, but will have serious long-term societal and economic consequences if immediate and sustained action is not taken. Investing in the health of children and young people is an investment in the future and will provide long-term returns.

It's positive that the government has committed to raising ‘the healthiest generation of children in our history’, and The King’s Fund recently looked into actions that the government should prioritise to ensure that every child has a healthier childhood – outlining ten steps the government can take to reverse the current trajectory.

First, we recommend that the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) allocate a greater share of health service funding to children. This should be outlined in the multi-year Comprehensive Spending Review, and ensure that integrated care systems (ICSs) increase their spending on specific children’s services by a greater proportion than their overall spending.