Tory politicians raise concerns over future of children's centres

Polling commissioned by charity Action for Children found that 38 per cent of 508 Tory councillors questioned believe there is a "lack of clear direction and funding" from central government for children's centres, family hubs, and family support.

Analysis by CYP Now earlier this year revealed that there had been a reduction of more than 1,000 official children's centres in England in the space of seven years, with 2,501 as of February 2017, compared with 3,631 in 2010.

A consultation on the future of children's centres had been due to launch in 2015 but is yet to take place. In March 2016, the government announced that the consultation would form part of David Cameron's life chances strategy - but the initiative was dropped by government in the wake of the EU referendum result. There has been no official announcement since then on whether a consultation is still planned.

Action for Children's survey also found that more than half (53 per cent) of Tory councillors agreed that central government funding cuts have made it harder for their council to deliver legally-required responsibilities for children and young people.

And nearly three-quarters (72 per cent) agreed that long-term funding for children's services is a major concern for their council.

Chief executive of Action for Children, Sir Tony Hawkhead, said: "Our findings show the growing fear that the government is failing in its pledge to give all children the best start in life.

"Nearly a third of children in England - over 200,0000 - have fallen behind by age five and with one children's centre closing every week, we're deeply concerned struggling families are being abandoned.

"Early years services are one of the key lifelines for families living in poor housing, in financial trouble, with mental health issues and those whose own childhood experiences affect their parenting.

"These lifeline services are being hollowed out, fragmented and cut, and children are bearing the brunt.

"The government needs a bold vision that will give direction and provide local authorities with adequate funding to make sure all our children get the best start in life."