Stuart Anderson MP has launched a bid to attract support for family hubs in South Shropshire. Stuart launched the appeal in the House of Commons on 15th July 2025. He made the intervention as part of an Opposition Day Debate on welfare reform.
On 15th July 2025, Stuart said:
"On the family hubs which I think are a great thing and the recent announcement you said have gone to every local government. None have gone to South Shropshire if I've read the data correct. Could you look into this and see that we can get family hubs in South Shropshire?"
In response, Employment Minister Alison McGovern MP:
"Thank you, Madam Speaker. I thank the Honourable gentleman for his intervention and I will ask one of my fellow ministers who looks after family hubs to write to him directly and to work with him on that suggestion that he makes."
On 6th July 2025, the Government announced that every local authority will receive a 'Best Start Family Hub' by April 2026. It is part of the government's child development strategy, which was published on the same day.
However, further details have not yet been published. So, Stuart has called on the Ministers to work with him to support a network of family hubs in South Shropshire.
Shropshire Council does not currently receive central government funding for Family Hubs. Its funding for existing support comes from multiple sources, including the Household Support Fund.
Ministers have announced that the roll-out will be backed by a £500 million investment. This will create up to 1,000 hubs by 2028. Stuart hopes that Shropshire will receive direct financial support ahead of the roll-out next April.
Family hubs act as a ‘one-stop shop’ to offer guidance and advice on a range of circumstances including infant feeding, mental health support, health visits, and parenting classes.
The last government invested £300 million into these services. As part of its manifesto, the Conservative Party then pledged to deliver a Family Hub in every local authority in England.
In March, Stuart called on the Labour Government to deliver at least one Family Hub in every local authority area. The Spending Review delivered on this request, with a commitment to expand the programme.
Stuart Anderson MP said:
"As a parent, I want to do everything I can to ensure our children get the very best start in life. I was delighted when the Conservatives announced plans last year to ensure every local authority receives funding for family hubs. With more than 700 young families in South Shropshire, this will assist them with access to wraparound support services. Earlier this year, I called on Ministers to match our commitment. I was pleased that June's Spending Review accepted my request. Following my intervention on 15th July, I look forward to working with Ministers to deliver on this."
