Wakefield councillors propose writing to government over baby milk concerns

Councillors Shabaan Saleem and Brenden Fraser have asked Wakefield Council to write to the government

The motion said: “Infant food insecurity is affecting more families across Wakefield than many people realise. In my work within our communities, I hear directly from parents who are increasingly worried about the rising cost of infant formula.

"Baby banks and food banks across the district are also reporting sharp increases in demand. No parent should ever have to worry about how they will feed their baby.

The motion asks the council to the write the to Health Secretary, the Competition and Markets Authority, and Wakefield’s MPs – Simon Lightwood, Yvette Cooper, Jade Botterill and Jon Trickett – to share concerns and highlight the challenges faced by families.

It said the council would continue working with health visitors, GPs, dietitians, family hubs and neonatal teams to ensure consistent support, and would continue developing a food insecurity plan for families with infants under 12 months.

The motion added: “I also want to thank our fantastic children’s services staff and all partners involved in infant feeding support.

"Their dedication makes a real difference to families every day.

“Finally, I hope that by raising these concerns, this work will contribute to the government considering more extensive measures, including stronger regulation of pricing, and even exploring options such as a price cap, to ensure infant formula remains affordable for all families.

“Every child deserves the best start in life, and today’s decision will help make that a reality.”