We welcome the Government’s 2025 Comprehensive Spending Review, which offers a renewed commitment to improving outcomes for women, babies, and families. Investment in maternity safety; the reform of children’s social care; community mental health provision; Family Hubs; and the probation system holds the potential to better address the needs of women during pregnancy and early motherhood—particularly those facing disadvantage and adversity.
However, we note with concern the lack of specific funding commitments for the voluntary sector, which plays such a vital role in supporting those facing multiple disadvantages and inequity. It is particularly notable that there is no reference to support for Women’s Centres and other specialist community services – cited in David Gauke’s Independent Sentencing Review as being at the heart of plans to reduce the number of women entering prison. As highlighted by the Women’s Budget Group, sustained investment in social infrastructure, including community-based services, is essential in ensuring the most vulnerable women and babies are not left behind. We urge the Government to recognise and resource these services in order to achieve their ambition to break down barriers to opportunity.
To discuss these issues or further comment, please contact Kirsty Kitchen [email protected].
