More than £1 million in funding will be provided to both Redcar & Cleveland (£1,010,100) and Middlesbrough councils (£1,102,500), helping to give children a better start in life.

This investment is part of £57 million allocated by the Labour Government to selected local authorities across the country. The funding will enhance Start for Life services, offering vital support to families with children from pregnancy up to the age of two.

In addition, this is on top of £69 million previously announced in the Budget for local Family Hubs, which have been developed to act as a one-stop-shop for families. These hubs provide services such as parenting classes, infant feeding advice, and perinatal mental health support.

Luke celebrated the announcement, saying: “By ensuring families have the early support they need, we can give every child a strong foundation that sets them up for life.”