Local MP celebrates new funding for family hubs in Central Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire

PRESS RELEASE FROM ALISTAIR STRATHERN MP

THURSDAY 10th JULY 2025

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Alistair Strathern, the MP for the Hitchin constituency, has welcomed news that Central Bedfordshire Council and Hertfordshire County Council will receive government funding for new family hubs.

Previously, both the areas were two of 65 local authorities across the country to receive no government funding for family hubs.

The announcement is part of the national Best Start in Life programme, which will see £500 million invested to set up 1000 family hubs across England by 2028, supporting over 500,000 children and families.

Family hubs bring together services like parenting support, health visiting, mental health advice and early education under one roof — making it easier for families to get the help they need, close to home. Rolling out in every local authority by April 2026, the Hubs will offer interventions and courses which work for parents – such as stay and play groups which help parents connect or sessions which help manage children's emotional needs – while providing a single point of access for services across health, education, and wellbeing.

Strathern welcomed the news by speaking in Parliament, and asking the Education Secretary to use this moment to redouble our efforts to combat the SEND crisis. The Government confirmed that every hub will include a SEND coordinator.

Before being elected, Strathern was a children’s services lead at a local council. He has been campaigning since he became an MP for more early years support, and has championed better kinship care and SEND provision. He has led Westminster debates on these topics, met with local charities and campaigners, and visited dozens of schools.

Alistair Strathern MP said:

“This is brilliant news for families across our area. Parents shouldn’t have to jump through hoops to get support — and these hubs will make it simpler to access help when it’s most needed.

“Having spoken with parents, health workers and early years staff locally, I know how much of a difference this joined-up support can make. I’m proud that Central Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire are part of this exciting expansion.

“I’m determined to ensure that we make the most of this exciting programme to better support families and children with special educational needs at the earliest possible opportunity.

“I’ll be keeping close to the rollout and working with families and councils to make sure this delivers for everyone in our community.”

Education Secretary, Bridget Phillipson said: 

“It’s the driving mission of this government to break the link between a child’s background and what they go on to achieve – our new Best Start Family Hubs will put the first building blocks of better life chances in place for more children.

“I saw firsthand how initiatives like Sure Start helped level the playing field, transforming the lives of children by putting in place family support in the earliest years of life, and 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 – delivering a lifeline of consistent support across the nation, ensuring health, social care and education work in unison to ensure all children get the best start in life.”

Notes for Editors

You can see Strathern’s question in Parliament on this issue, here

You can see the Government’s announcement of the Best Start in Life programme, here