Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, whether he plans to publish a 2024 progress report for the Family Hubs and Start for Life programme; and what steps he is taking to ensure that the programme continues to support (a) (i) perinatal and (ii) infant mental health and (b) parent-infant relationships.

Launched in August 2022, the three-year Family Hubs and Start for Life programme provides approximately £300 million to 75 local authorities in England with high levels of deprivation. The joint Department of Health and Social Care and Department for Education programme has created a network of Family Hubs with Start for Life services, which support the period from conception to the age of two years old, providing families with the support they need when they need it.

While the Government does not have plans at this stage to publish a progress report on the Family Hubs and Start for Life programme, two national, independent evaluations are underway to understand implementation and impact.

At the 2024 Autumn Budget, my Rt. Hon. Friend, the Chancellor of the Exchequer announced £69 million to continue delivery of a network of Family Hubs. The Department will confirm Start for Life funding for 2025/26 in due course, including support for perinatal mental health and parent-infant relationship services.