By David Williams
Pregnant women are to be offered grants aimed at promoting health and fitness in a £148m scheme announced by Revenue and Customs.
Pregnant women are to be offered grants aimed at promoting health and fitness in a £148m scheme announced by Revenue and Customs.The Health in Pregnancy Grant, which was unveiled on April 6, will be given unconditionally, allowing expectant mothers to spend £190 however they choose.
The women can claim the cash from the twenty-fifth week of pregnancy, after receiving advice on diet and fitness from a health professional such as a midwife. The mother-to-be will then be given a claim form, to be sent to R&C within 31 days.
On average, 65,000 women give birth in the UK every month. If each claimed their £190 grant, the initiative would cost R&C £148.2m annually.
Chief Secretary to the Treasury Yvette Cooper said the grant offered extra help when women needed it most.
‘The grant will help mums-to-be support their good health during pregnancy, as well as help give their child the best possible start,’ said Cooper.
‘It’s the mums’ choice what they do with the cash as everyone’s circumstances are different.’
The Royal College of Midwives also hailed the scheme, claiming it gave a ‘crucial’ role to midwives in advising women on how best to spend the money.
‘An investment in women is an investment towards a healthier woman and a healthier baby,’ professional policy advisor Janet Fyle said.
