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<p>We welcome the recent report by the Institute for Fiscal Studies on the health
effects of Sure Start. Across the key health outcomes for children and young people,
children living in households in the lowest socio-economic groups have worse outcomes
than other children. There are clear benefits to early investment and support through
pregnancy and the early years<strong>. </strong>Children’s centres can play an important
role in supporting families, but it is right local councils decide how to organise
and provide services for families in their areas to meet local needs – whether this
is through children’s centre buildings or delivering services in different ways.</p><p>
</p><p>Local authorities have a duty under the Childcare Act (2006) to ensure sufficient
children’s centres to meet the needs of local families. Funding for children’s services
(including children’s centres) is made available through the local government finance
settlement. In addition, other government funding, including that for public health,
adult skills training and troubled families may also be used locally to support services
delivered wholly, or in part, through children’s centres. Children services funding
for 2020-2021 and beyond will be determined in the Spending Review.</p>
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