Budget 2021: Ministers pledge £ 500 million to support young families

Ministers are to fund a network of ‘family centers’ in England as part of a £ 500 million package to support parents and children.

Centers in 75 different areas will provide a “one-stop shop” for support and advice, the government said.

The funding, which will be announced by the Chancellor in Wednesday’s budget, will also go to breastfeeding counseling and mental health services.

Labor called the plans a “smokescreen” for failing to provide families.

The funding includes £ 200 million to support 300,000 families facing complex problems that could lead to family breakdown.

Around £ 82 million will be given to 75 local authorities to fund new family centers, while a further £ 100 million will go to mental health support for expectant parents.

And £ 50 million will be spent on breastfeeding support – including prenatal classes and one-on-one support – to build on best practices from areas like Tower Hamlets in London, which has the highest breastfeeding rates since six eight weeks in England.

Parenting programs will receive £ 50m and £ 10m will go to signage at the Start4Life initiative, which offers help and advice from the NHS during pregnancy, childbirth and parenting.

Prior to the announcement, Chancellor Rishi Sunak said he “passionately believes” in giving children “the best possible start in life”.

She said: “We know that the first thousand and one days of a child’s life are among the most important in their development, which is why I am thrilled that this investment will ensure that thousands of families across England receive support to lead a life. healthy and happy “.

The government said the funding package is about a March report on improving the health and development of children in England, which recommended more united and welcoming support for families.

But Kate Green MP, Labor’s shadow secretary for education, said family centers were “a patch for a fractured landscape of childcare and childcare services.”

“This alleged commitment rings hollow after 11 years of conservative cuts have forced the closure of more than a thousand children’s centers, cutting early learning that prepares children for life,” he said.

Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland will receive an equivalent increase in funding. The decentralized governments will then decide how they want to spend the money.

A separate £ 153 million investment announced as part of the £ 1.4 billion education recovery package in summer 2021 will enable daycare staff to access higher quality training.