CYP Now - Analysis: Children's centres - Labour plans challenge councils

Labour's manifesto has made much of its promise to create 3,500 children's centres by 2010, but some local authorities are concerned that they have not been allocated enough money or time to make the grand plans a reality. David Singleton reports.

The Labour Party's election manifesto, published last week, trumpets "the biggest ever expansion in childcare in a generation". It confirms that by 2010, there will be 3,500 children's centres in place - "five in every constituency".

But while that pledge is being waved in front of the electorate, local authorities are still digesting the latest funding details.

The Government has just announced that councils across England will get 947m for a second wave of "Sure Start children's centres". The money includes capital and revenue funding for 2006 to 2008 (the Government has an interim target of 2,500 centres by 2008). Councils have been notified of both their individual allocations and how many centres they must spend it on.

Register Now to Continue Reading

Thank you for visiting Children & Young People Now and making use of our archive of more than 60,000 expert features, topics hubs, case studies and policy updates. Why not register today and enjoy the following great benefits:

What's Included