Sure Start Cuts

I missed these figures coming out last week but it appears that cuts to Sure Start are following the same principle as local authority cuts - reverse redistribution with the poorest, most deprived local authority areas being hit the hardest.

The House of Commons Library was asked by Labour MPs how much funding would be available next year per child from the Early Intervention Grant, compared to the funding available this year.

Their figures showed:
• On average across England, there will be central government funding cuts of £50 per child for ‘early intervention’ services like Sure Start and childcare
• In some of the poorest areas including Hackney, Islington, Tower Hamlets and Knowsley, the cuts are at least £100 per child
• In some wealthier areas including Richmond, Buckinghamshire, Wokingham and Surrey, the cuts will only be £30 per child
• Overall, funding for ‘early intervention’ services will be down by 22% next year

Labour’s Shadow Education Secretary Andy Burnham MP said:

“The areas being hit hardest are the most deprived – it’s is not only unfair, it’s the wrong long-term decision for the country. By cutting too far and too fast and asking children and families to bear the brunt, this Tory-led Government is showing that they have no idea what pressure ordinary families are under.

“Early Intervention services like Sure Start Children’s Centres work with families to improve health, education and life chances. These services will be lost for years and this country will pay the price in terms of unfulfilled potential, poorer economic growth and halting social mobility for generations.”