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Budget 2021: Ministers pledge £500m to support young families - BBC News
Oct 23, 2021 1 min, 41 secs
Ministers are to fund a network of "family hubs" in England as part of a £500m package to support parents and children.

The centres in 75 different areas will provide a "one stop shop" for support and advice, the government said.

The funding, to be announced by the chancellor in Wednesday's Budget, will also go towards breastfeeding advice and mental health services.

The funding includes £200m to support 300,000 families who face complex issues that could lead to family breakdown.

Some £82m will be given to 75 local authorities to fund the new family hubs, while another £100m will go towards mental health support for expectant parents.

He said: "We know that the first thousand and one days of a child's life are some of the most important in their development, which is why I'm thrilled that this investment will guarantee that thousands of families across England are given support to lead healthy and happy lives.".

The government said the funding package addresses a report from March on improving the health and development of babies in England, which recommended more joined-up, welcoming support for families.

Neil Leitch, of the Early Years Alliance, said the new money was "welcome news for struggling families" but criticised the government for failing to address existing problems within the early years sector, specifically among nurseries, childminders and pre-schools, where almost 3,000 providers have closed down since January.

His concerns were echoed by Alison Morton, executive director of the Institute of Health Visiting.She said: "We've had a really challenging time during the pandemic.

Families have really faced the brunt of it - and whilst the government have poured a lot of money into other sectors, zero pounds, literally, has been spent on babies, young children and families.""The government needs to go an awful lot further if they want to build back better for our babies and children," she told BBC Radio 4's Today programme.

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