Sure Start funding cuts "another broken promise"

Funding for Sure Start and childcare services in Wakefield is being slashed by £60 per child next year, new figures have revealed.

The House of Commons Library was asked how much funding would be available next year per child from the Tory led Government’s Early Intervention Grant, compared to the funding available this year.

Their figures showed:

• On average across England, there will be central government funding cuts of £50 per child for ‘early intervention’ services like Sure Start and childcare. The cuts in Wakefield are £60 per child – above the national average.

• In some of the poorest areas including Knowsley, Middlesborough and Hartlepool the cuts are at least £90 per child

• In some wealthier areas including Richmond, Buckinghamshire, Wokingham and Surrey, the cuts will be £30 per child

• Overall, funding for ‘early intervention’ services will be down by 22% next year

City MP Mary Creagh said: “I’m appalled that families in Wakefield are being hit by this central government cut to Children’s Centres. The Tories promised the families of Wakefield that Sure Start would be protected, yet we are now seeing cuts of £60 per child in our area.

Despite these cuts I am pleased to see the council say that they will do everything possible to protect our children’s centres and that there are no proposals to close any.

“Before the election David Cameron accused Labour of scaremongering when we pointed out that his plans would damage Sure Start; now the Tory-led government are trying to force councils to do their dirty work for them. Hats off to Wakefield Council for not letting him get away with it ”