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

Sarah Hehir meets Ed Miliband

From right to left: Labour candidate Sarah Hehir, Labour Leader Ed Miliband, Councillor Theresa Murray, Young Labour member Oscar Davies and Labour candidate Derek Munton

I met Ed Miliband today at Priestfields Stadum in Gillingham at Labour's National Policy Forum. I was immediately encouraged by his confidence in a brighter Britain under a future Labour Government.  He spoke passionately of a Labour party committed to social justice and economic growth, motivated by an optimistic vision of our communities and country.

He answered specific questions: he wants to make high streets the centre of communities once again and to reclaim the idea of a 'Big Society' so that it constitutes more than hollow platitudes. Ed Miliband opposes the rise in tuition fees, he opposes changes to Royal Mail which will threaten more local services, he supports the building of new affordable homes and opposes the Coalition's drastic cuts to frontline services.

When I shook hands with Ed Miliband (52 seconds in!) I spoke to him about the people of Rochester West; people who don't discuss politics in technical, party-political terms but who have great ideas about how to improve our area and shape a more dynamic and inclusive community. People who have retained an optimism even in the face of these devastating cuts and years of Conservative misrule on Medway Council.

This afternoon some of the nitty gritty of Labour policy will be ironed out. We will have a clear manifesto. In the meantime, Labour councillors across Medway and the UK are continuing to work hard work to build better communities and support local business.

Medway has had a Conservative controlled council for 10 years. In May, there is a chance to make a change. I hope you will vote for me and give me the opportunity to implement that change.