Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health, what assessment he has made of the potential reasons for changes in the number of recipients of Healthy Start in the last year; and what steps he is taking to ensure that all those who are eligible are encouraged to apply for that benefit.

Eligibility for Healthy Start vouchers and vitamins is linked to the receipt of certain income-related benefits. The number of people claiming these benefits has decreased recently, therefore the number entitled to Healthy Start has also decreased.

Around 74% of people who are eligible to Healthy Start vouchers take up the benefit, and during 2014/15 the take up rate is remaining constant at 74%. All potential beneficiaries are contacted by the Healthy Start Issuing Unit and are invited to apply. The Department also publicises the scheme via the Healthy Start website and helpline.