Baby formula to become more affordable thanks to Lancashire MP's campaign
The Government has announced major reforms to improve the affordability of infant formula, marking a significant victory for the year-long campaign led by Blackpool South MP Chris Webb.
In Parliament yesterday, the Prime Minister confirmed that families will be able to use loyalty points and vouchers to buy formula, alongside clearer guidance for retailers – changes that will save parents up to £500 before their child’s first birthday.
The announcement marks a major victory in a campaign that has unfolded over the same timeline as a baby’s first year, starting with Webb’s parliamentary adjournment debate just over 12 months ago.
Webb began the campaign in Parliament with an adjournment debate calling for urgent reform to the tightly regulated infant formula market, highlighting the impact of rising costs on low-income families.
In January, the Department of Health and Social Care clarified confusing guidance and confirmed to Webb that food banks could provide infant formula to families in crisis.
Webb immediately began working with manufacturers and retailers to secure donations.
In the months since, Webb has helped provide almost 3 million individual infant feeds through formula donations.
These have been distributed via food banks and community organisations across the UK, offering vital support while long-term policy changes were developed.
At the half-year mark Webb, joined by partners including Metro, LadBaby and charity Feed UK, delivered a petition with more than 107,000 signatures to 10 Downing Street, urging the Prime Minister and Health Secretary to take immediate action.
Speaking in Parliament, the Prime Minister acknowledged that parents have “for too long been pushed into spending more on infant formula than needed,” and confirmed that the Government will take action to ensure more affordable pricing and better consumer guidance.
Chris Webb MP said: “This is a huge win for this campaign and for parents. When I launched this campaign a year ago, families in Blackpool South were being pushed to breaking point by the cost of infant formula. No parent should ever struggle to feed their baby. Today, parents' voices have been heard by the Government.”
“I’m incredibly proud of the parents who shared their stories, the campaigners who stood with us and the 107,000 people who signed the petition. Together, we made the case and delivered real change.”
Webb confirmed he will continue working with the Government, manufacturers, charities and retailers to ensure the reforms go further and that long-term affordability is secured.