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Cllr Anntoinette Bramble, Chair of the Local Government Association’s Children and Young People Board, responded to research by the Institute for Fiscal Studies which has found the Sure Start programme has had major health benefits for children in poorer neighbourhoods 

“As this report shows, children’s centres can provide a lifeline for children, parents and carers, offering an incredibly important service in the local community.

“This could be anything from advice for parents on physical and mental health, caring for a new-born, or simply a place for children to enjoy free-play and interact with one another.

“While many councils have adapted well to the funding pressures and changed how they provide children’s centre services, in particular to target those communities most in need of support, there is a growing sense that councils have done all they can within ever tightening budgets.

“It is inevitable that without new investment from government in children’s services, councils will face the difficult but unavoidable decision of having to cut or close early help services such as children’s centres.

“Children’s services face a £3.1 billion funding gap by 2025. This is why it is hugely important that the Government delivers a long-term sustainable funding solution for children’s services in this year’s Spending Review.”

#CouncilsCan: Spending Review 2019

With the right funding and powers, councils can continue to lead local areas, improve residents’ lives, reduce demand for public services and save money for the taxpayer. Securing the financial sustainability of local services must be the top priority for the Spending Review.

Find out more

IFS Report:  The health effects of Sure Start