Best Start Family Hubs

Lord Kirkhope of Harrogate Excerpts

Wednesday 10th June 2026 Lords Chamber

[Baroness Blake of Leeds (Lab)]

I am tempted to answer with a simple and straight yes. My noble friend speaks absolute sense on this agenda. I want to highlight the devastation to provision that she outlines: between 2010 and 2022, 1,300 Sure Start centres closed; by 2024, one in three low-income families had no access to children’s centres at all. As she says, poverty soared and school readiness flatlined. I am delighted that this Government are making this one of their top priorities. I look forward to the outcomes and the benefits to families very soon.

[Lord Kirkhope of Harrogate (Con)]

My Lords, the Minister and I both know very well the work of PHAB in Leeds, under the guidance of its wonderful secretary Ann Hart, which has for many years been bringing together able-bodied people with those with disabilities and disadvantages. Will the Minister support me in congratulating Ann and that organisation, which I know she supports as well, on bringing together people who are in good health with those who have disabilities and making them work together for the benefit of both?

[Baroness Blake of Leeds (Lab)]

I am delighted to hear the noble Lord reference Ann and the brilliant work that has been done for many years. The whole principle of Sure Start was the universal approach, bringing together all sorts of people and not focusing on just one sector. Everyone needs support at different stages in their lives and everyone has something to offer. It is the interchange and support that you get through this type of vision that makes a huge difference to people’s lives.