Backing the Future: Why Investing in Children is Good for Us All

This report presents the findings of the Happiness Counts project, which aimed to explore the impact of wellbeing on children’s futures in Britain. A range of research methods was used, including a literature review of policy documents and academic literature and a secondary analysis of Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development data. A Young Person’s Reference Group also provided input throughout the project. The report aims to provide an argument for increased investment in support for children by exploring the current economic impact of a failure to provide adequate support. Findings indicate that over 20 years, the cost to the economy of coping with current social problems, for example obesity and mental health, would be approximately £4 trillion. Researchers suggest that if the UK Government were to provide funding for a dual investment package, such as targeted interventions and universal childcare, this would help tackle the approximately £1.5 trillion economic cost of social problems. The report also suggests that services which encourage collaborative working between professionals and children in the design and delivery of projects are an important factor in achieving and promoting greater child wellbeing.