Government seeks 'mutual federations' to take over Sure Start centres

The report, Mutual Benefit: Giving people power over public services, outlines the government's intention to carry out a pilot that allows organisations called "mutuals" — made up of local people, parents and staff — to run children's centres in their local area.
 
Cabinet Office Minister Tessa Jowell said: "This is the moment for mutualism. In the wake of the global financial crisis and the parliamentary expenses scandal, it is clear that people are no longer prepared to trust large organisations over which they have no control."
 
Five local authorities will be earmarked for the initiative in which these "mutual federations" will be encouraged to bid for control of 20 to 25 centres within the area and link up with local services.
 
Secretary of State for Children Ed Balls said: "These will bring together health and Jobcentre Plus as well as parents and professionals. Each of these centres will be run on a mutual basis but will draw on the expertise of the mutual federation, sharing skills, knowledge and improving services."
 
The proposals are based on the success of the Millmead Children's Centre, a community mutual set up in 2005. Local parents, staff and volunteers were invited to join in the running of the centre, which has had a positive impact on the centre and the way it interacts with the community, a Cabinet Office spokesperson commented. 
 
"This is not a Whitehall prescribed national blueprint, but enabling new collaboration to develop in an organic way within communities," Jowell added.

The pilot is expected to be rolled out later in the spring and the five local authorities involved are yet to be identified.