House of Commons · Westminster Hall
12 March 2024 · 5 other contributors · 7,489 words
Opened by Sally-Ann Hart Con Hastings and Rye
Responding minister: Andrea Leadsom
Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.
Sally-Ann Hart raised concerns about parents and carers of infants: support in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.
Key points
Key requests to Government
The Bill seeks to make it easier for local authorities to publish Start for Life offers on their websites and other platforms, ensuring families can access relevant support services during the critical 1,001 days from conception to age two. The lead MP also requests that funding for family hubs continue beyond 2025 and be extended across all local authorities in England.
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.
Opened the debate
The arrival of a new baby can bring joy but also stress and anxiety for families. Many parents struggle to access information on support services available, with some respondents paying for private providers or relying on online communities. Feedback suggested that better dissemination of consistent information is needed, alongside increasing the numbers of health visitors and midwives.
Praised the debate for addressing crucial issues related to early childhood development and family support. Highlighted Stockport's children services as an example of effective provision despite its socio-economic challenges. Emphasized Sure Start's success in fostering community integration and nurturing young families.
The hon. Member is correct; there are many voluntary organisations doing incredible work with young mothers and parents regarding breast and infant feeding. The family hubs focus on this area, as does the Start for Life programme.
Mr. Jim Shannon commended the hon. Lady for raising this important issue and noted a 14% increase in childcare costs in Northern Ireland since 2021, urging for an expansion of tax-free childcare allowance to assist working-class families.
Mr. Mark Logan congratulated the hon. Friend on securing the debate and highlighted the work of Family and Babies Bolton, an organisation dedicated to breastfeeding support for new mothers in his constituency.
Tim Loughton highlighted the importance of parents receiving support during their child's first 1,001 days, citing research showing the critical period for brain development and the lifelong impacts on health and social outcomes. He mentioned a case where inadequate support led to severe neglect issues in Stockport, stressing the need for joined-up services and early intervention to prevent such situations. He confirmed that Stockport's children's services department had a fantastic reputation with experienced social workers, highlighting the importance of local initiatives.
Government Response
Andrea LeadsomThanked colleagues and praised the Bill introduced by Sally-Ann Hart. Emphasised her long-standing commitment to supporting babies, mentioning personal experience with post-natal depression. Highlighted plans for family hubs as a one-stop shop for parents, aiming to be completely universal and non-stigmatising. Mentioned strong evidence that nurturing in early years sets foundations for development. Discussed the 1001 critical days review and published vision, including £300 million investment for local authority support. Praises progress in Northumberland County Council's QR-code keyring initiative to promote Start for Life offers.