Best Start Family Hubs

Baroness Jones of Whitchurch Excerpts

Tuesday 27th January 2026 Lords Chamber

Asked by

[Baroness Jones of Whitchurch]

To ask His Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the expected impact of the new Best Start Family Hubs in England.

[Baroness in Waiting/Government Whip (Baroness Blake of Leeds) (Lab)]

My Lords, we now know without doubt that Sure Start worked. It delivered twice as much in benefits as it cost, with positive impacts on health, SEND identification and educational outcomes. That is why the Government are investing over £500 million to rebuild crucial family services. Best Start Family Hubs will provide that essential support, from conception through the early years, to parents across the whole of England.

[Baroness Jones of Whitchurch (Lab)]

My Lords, the evidence on the impact of early years investment is compelling, as my noble friend the Minister has outlined. It matters for health, growth, skills and employment—almost every outcome we can imagine is improved by early intervention. What steps are being taken to ensure that child development and family support are given the priority they deserve, not just in the very welcome Best Start hubs but right across government?

[Baroness Blake of Leeds (Lab)]

As my noble friend mentions, early years is a real priority for this Government, starting with our plan for change and a national target by 2028 to increase the proportion of children achieving a good level of development when starting school. We have followed this up with statutory targets for every local authority, with each one tasked with producing ambitious local plans to deliver. Best Start Family Hubs are one vital element of the best start in life strategy but, as my noble friend mentions, this will have impacts right across government.