Question to the Department for Education:

To ask His Majesty's Government what level of accountability local authorities have to His Majesty's Government to ensure that they are meeting the expectation of partnering with the voluntary, community and faith sector in implementing family hubs.

I refer The Lord Bishop of Durham, to the answer of 17 November 2023 to Question HL27. Guidance to local authorities participating in the Family Hubs and Start for Life programme sets an expectation that those local authorities partner with voluntary and faith organisations, as part of their family hub model. All local authorities which are part of the Family Hubs and Start for Life programme have the support of a Regional Delivery Lead and a Regional Delivery Expert Advisor to work with them on this transformation. Local authorities report on their progress against the service expectations, including those relating to voluntary, community and faith groups, through regular meetings between local authorities and their Regional Delivery Leads as part of our assurance process.