Sure Start

Medway Labour believe that Sure Start centres are a vital asset to Medway and its families and are concerned by the actions of Conservative Councils up and down the country and the lack of clarity from the Conservatives.

Sure Start centres have a proven track record of improving the early years development of children, offering support and advice to families and providing a safe and welcoming community space.

Labour councillors are concerned that the Government’s introduction of the new Early Intervention Grant replaces money ring-fenced specifically for Sure Start. This money will now be in the hands of local authorities, who effectively have less money to spend on a broader range of areas; this can include, but does not necessitate, spending on Sure Start.

Cllr Teresa Murray (Rochester East) says:

“We are deeply concerned that the promise made by David Cameron to safeguard money for Sure Start has been broken, and seriously urge the council to sustain its funding for the scheme”,

Sarah Hehir (Rochester West Organiser) says:

 “As a mum, I am very concerned by the lack of clarity coming from the Medway Conservatives. They have still not clarified to local mums and dads whether these centres will continue to be fully funded or whether they are threatened. We all have to wait until March and this does not allow long-term planning for the Centres or parents.”

Medway Labour submitted a motion to full Council in January, proposed by Cllr Teresa Murray (Rochester East), urging the council to ensure that Medway’s Sure Start centres are kept safe from the round of cuts expected.

This motion was opposed by the Conservatives and watered down. This raises the spectre of a real-terms cash cut in funding.

Read more on the Rochester and Strood Labour Website