Expansion of Family Hubs in Corby and East Northamptonshire
Lee Barron, the Member of Parliament for Corby and East Northamptonshire, has expressed his approval for the recent announcement regarding the establishment of family hubs in the region. These hubs will be based on the successful Sure Start initiatives introduced by the previous Labour government. The new facilities will be located at Pen Green and Oundle, offering families a comprehensive support system.
The initiative is part of a broader plan to provide funding to 88 local authorities across England. This funding aims to create family hubs that serve as one-stop shops for families seeking assistance and information from various services. These services include guidance on infant feeding, parenting, perinatal mental health, and early language development.
Mr Barron emphasized the positive impact of these hubs, stating, “This is good news for local families and will make a real difference to the lives of people across our community.” He highlighted the long-term benefits of the Sure Start program, which led to improved health, education, and social care outcomes for participating families. The introduction of family hubs in Corby and East Northamptonshire is seen as a crucial step in continuing this legacy.
The £500 million project plans to open 1,000 centers starting in April 2026, with every council in England expected to have a family hub by 2028. These hubs will build upon existing family hubs and the Start for Life programme, creating a single point of access for services related to health, education, and well-being. Parents will also have the opportunity to register births, access midwifery and maternity services, and receive support to quit smoking.
Additionally, the hubs will offer activities for children under five and youth service provision. Mr Barron added, “These new hubs will provide a lifeline of consistent support across our community and across the nation, ensuring health, social care, and education work in unison to ensure all children get the very best start in life.”
Seventy-five local authorities have received joint funding from the Department for Education (DfE) and the Department for Health and Social Care as part of the Family Hubs and Start for Life Programme. Health and Social Care Secretary Wes Streeting commented, “Every child – no matter their background – deserves the best start in life. I know what it’s like to grow up in a family where work is low-paid and insecure, and I know the power of a good support network.”
Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson also voiced her support, stating, “I saw firsthand how initiatives like Sure Start helped level the playing field in my own community, transforming the lives of children by putting in place family support in the earliest years of life. As part of our Plan for Change, we’re building on its legacy for the next generation of children. Making sure hard-working parents are able to benefit from more early help is a promise made, and promise kept.”
As of March 2025, there were 551 family hubs in these local authorities. An additional 13 local authorities have received support through the DfE Family Hubs Transformation Fund. As of the same date, there were 90 family hubs in these areas. This expansion underscores the commitment to providing essential support for families and ensuring that every child has the opportunity to thrive.
