[josephlord]

Having done a little research the grant is £500 available to parents receiving an income related benefit (including some in work benefits) [1].

It was changed a couple of years ago to apply only to first children rather than each child which I presume is the yanking referred to.

Essential stuff being forgotten. That happens there is a lot to learn quickly being a parent. Can you show that reckless spending caused necessary items not to be affordable when the error was realised?

"Expensive fashionable buggies" can easily cost more than £500, pushchairs are unsuitable for very young infants, those on low incomes are unlikely to have cars and may need a better buggy than those only nipping out of car although I'm sure there are solutions well under £500 especially if you look at 2nd hand.

I do agree that a universal box would be a good idea even though I'm not comfortable with your lazy tabloid stereotyping of "the locals". It may be that the box should be supplemented by a cash grant (of a reduced amount) for those currently entitled to the grant.

[1] https://www.gov.uk/sure-start-maternity-grant/overview