Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Marcus Jones and Edward Leigh

Monday 30th October 2017 Commons Chamber

[Mr Jones]

Council tax, in real terms, is 9.1% lower than it was in 2010. During the Labour Government of 1997 to 2010, the cost of council tax doubled. As I said to the hon. Member for Ealing, Southall (Mr Sharma), 4 million people receive council tax support, and we are clear—we published guidance in 2013—about good practice. We want to make sure that those in genuine hardship are supported and that enforcement is proportionate.

[Sir Edward Leigh (Gainsborough) (Con)]

7. What steps he is taking to encourage local authorities to work with voluntary and private sector partners to establish family hubs.

[The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government (Mr Marcus Jones)]

I welcome the development of family hubs and we know that many areas are already moving towards this model of support for children and families. Local government and its partners understand the needs of their communities best, and they should be the ones to determine how they provide services for families.

[Sir Edward Leigh]

As we know, the wheels can fall off any family’s wagon at any point; family hubs can be an essential part of the solution, to improve the lives of children up to the age of 18. Does the Minister agree that more local areas should upgrade their children’s centres to family hubs so that we can do this essential work?

[Mr Jones]

I welcome my hon. Friend’s commitment to excellent services for children and families. Ultimately it is up to councils to decide on the best solution for their area, but it is important that the whole family has access to the right services to meet their needs.