Children: Parenting

Debate between Lord Hill of Oareford and Baroness Tyler of Enfield

Thursday 19th May 2011 Lords Chamber

[Lord Hill of Oareford]

My Lords, I agree with the noble Baroness, Lady Jones of Whitchurch, about the contribution that Sure Start centres make. Other initiatives, such as the family intervention project, pioneered by the previous Government, achieved a lot and we can learn from that. I agree about the importance of Sure Start centres. There is a difference of opinion between us about the degree of local discretion and autonomy that one allows, which is why we have removed the ring-fence. We have put enough money into the early intervention grant to maintain a universal network of Sure Start centres, which is what we want to do.

[Baroness Tyler of Enfield]

My Lords, given the strong evidence showing the adverse impact on children who are exposed to high levels of damaging parental conflict, as so clearly highlighted by the Kids in the Middle campaign, what plans do the Government have to help parents to understand and meet their responsibilities to children when relationships break down?

[Lord Hill of Oareford]

My Lords, given the circumstances, I think that it probably is best to speak to my noble friend later and pursue that point with her.