We want the Government to improve financial support for families by increasing statutory maternity pay to reflect living costs, reviewing Universal Credit income thresholds so working families are not excluded, and extending access to the Sure Start Maternity Grant or an equivalent payment.

During the cost of living crisis, many working families struggle financially when income drops during maternity leave. Statutory maternity pay is often insufficient, and current eligibility rules for Universal Credit and the Sure Start Maternity Grant can exclude families who are in work but still under financial pressure. Families should not be penalised for working and contributing to society before starting a family.