Family Hubs funding expanded nationwide giving children the best start in life

Monday 7 July 2025

Luke Myer MP has welcomed today’s announcement that the government will roll out an expansion of Family Hubs funding across the country, supporting half a million more children and giving families easier access to help in their communities.

Luke previously served as Cabinet Member for Children in Redcar & Cleveland, where he led the work on family hubs locally – opening new centres at Skelton, Guisborough and Loftus. He said today’s plans build on that early work to ensure families in every community can access the support they need. Luke paid tribute to the staff of Redcar & Cleveland Family Hubs in Parliament today.

The hubs act as a one stop shop for parents, providing support with issues such as breastfeeding, housing, early development, and emotional needs. Backed by over £500 million, the rollout will reach every local authority by April 2026. Questioning the Education Secretary in Parliament, Luke confirmed that funding would be available for both Middlesbrough and Redcar & Cleveland councils to strengthen their existing provision.

Luke Myer MP said:

“Every child deserves the best start in life and every parent deserves support. I was proud to deliver our three Family Hubs in East Cleveland which provide support for families and help to give children the best start in life. Today’s announcement will allow our services to bid for more funding to expand that work.”

Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson MP said:

“It’s the driving mission of this government to break the link between a child’s background and what they go on to achieve – our new Best Start Family Hubs will put the first building blocks of better life chances in place for more children.”

Councillor Bill Suthers, Cabinet Member for Children, RCBC, said:

“It is really important that children are ready to start school because it affects their future life chances. In Redcar and Cleveland we have worked hard to keep family hubs going despite Tory cuts to SureStart. This new support from the Labour government will help us enhance our facilities and provide even better services for families and children.”

Mayor Chris Cooke of Middlesbrough said:

“This is fantastic news for families in our area. Family Hubs have worked so well in Middlesbrough to bring together the right support in one place, making life easier for parents and helping children thrive. I am glad to see this be continued and strengthened going forward.”