Key Facts

• Wes Streeting, the Health Secretary, has reduced the yearly dedicated funding for maternity care from £100m to £2m.
• The reduced funding has sparked criticisms from individuals and campaign groups concerned with maternity safety.
• The Department of Health plans to give the rest of the money to local health leaders, letting them decide how to spend it.
• A 2022 review of the Shrewsbury and Telford NHS trust indicated at least 201 babies and 9 mothers could have survived with better maternity care.
• Previously, increased spending on maternity care (totaling £95m a year) was planned to recruit around 1000 midwives and 80 obstetricians.
• Integrated Care Boards (ICBs), local organizations deciding how health service funds are allocated in England, will receive the rest of the funds previously dedicated to maternity care.
• Some maternity staff believe the change could lead to maternity budget cuts and negatively impact maternity safety.
• The Royal College of Midwives has been very critical of the funding decision, expressing shock and disappointment.