What's it all about? This joint consultation between the Department of Health (DoH); the Welsh Assembly Government; the Scottish Government; and the Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety in Northern Ireland looks at changes to improve the Healthy Start voucher scheme.
The scheme was introduced in 2006 to give financial support to low-income pregnant women and families with children under four in receipt of benefits or tax credits, and to all pregnant girls under the age of 18.
What are the main points? The vouchers are worth £3.10 each and can currently be spent at participating shops on liquid cow's milk, fresh vegetables and fruit, and formula milk for infants. Views are now being sought on whether the vouchers would be more beneficial if they could also be used to buy plain frozen fruit and vegetables, and if additional measures should be introduced to prevent the misuse of vouchers.
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