Darren Paffey, MP for Southampton Itchen, has welcomed Labour’s plan to deliver up to 1,000 new Best Start Family Hubs across the country, backed by £500 million in investment. The rollout will provide vital services to families in every local authority by 2026 and will help give more children the best possible start in life.
One of the first Sure Start centres in the country was opened in Weston 25 years ago by then Prime Minister Tony Blair. The programme quickly became a cornerstone of support for local parents. Labour’s new Best Start Family Hubs will build on that legacy, revitalising family support after years of Conservative cuts.
Darren said:
“So many parents in Southampton have told me how much they loved Sure Start and the difference it made to their family,
We should be proud that Weston helped lead the way. Now Labour is building on that legacy with £500 million to open 1,000 new Best Start Family Hubs and I’m determined to bring that investment to Southampton Itchen.”
As the former Cabinet Member for Education in Southampton, Darren fought to keep family hubs open during a decade of austerity, despite local councils facing huge cuts to early years and children’s services. Since becoming MP, he has already helped secure £1.3 million in funding to improve existing family hubs in the city.
Darren added:
“I know how important these hubs are not just for early years development, but for breastfeeding support, housing advice, mental health help and much more. Families deserve somewhere local and trusted they can turn to. I’ll keep fighting to make sure Southampton Itchen gets its fair share of this national investment.”
The Best Start Family Hubs will act as a one-stop shop for parents and carers, bringing together support from health, education and social care services. They will be open to all families, with a focus on the most disadvantaged communities. The programme will also include a new digital service linked to the NHS app, offering trusted advice and easier access to support online.
Labour’s wider Plan for Change includes a range of measures to support families, from free breakfast clubs in every primary school to expanded government-funded childcare and action to reduce the cost of school uniforms.
Darren said:
“After years of cuts and closures, this is a promise made and a promise kept to working families
every child deserves the best start in life and under Labour, we’re making that happen.”