David Cameron Announces New Generation of Sure Start Centres

Conservative Parliamentary Candidate Dan Byles, who will stand in North Warwickshire & Bedworth at the forthcoming General Election, this week welcomed an announcement by David Cameron for a new generation of Sure Start Centres to focus on the most disadvantaged families.

David Cameron set out the plans during a speech in which he reiterated Conservative support for marriage, and said that first time parents needed more support.

The new Sure Start Centres will operate as independent institutions outside of local government control, and will be funded directly by central Government - so they will put no addition burden on local council tax payers.

David Cameron said he wanted to improve on the current model by returning Sure Start to its original purpose: "...early intervention, increasing its focus on those who need its help most and better involving organisations with a proven track record in parenting interventions".

Speaking after Mr Cameron's speech, local Parliamentary Candidate Dan Byles said:

"I am delighted at David Cameron's speech. I have always strongly welcomed policies to support and strengthen families, and these proposals will help to look after the most vulnerable families at a time when they are most in need of support.

"I am also a big fan of encouraging independent organisations, such as charities like Lifeline and 4children, who already have proven track records in helping parents and families. Thay are part of the wider circle of society that goes beyond expecting Government departments to do everything - and they are often more efficient and more in touch with ordinary people than civil servants in Whitehall.

"So the proposals to invite charities and organisations like this to run children's centres, and to be paid by the results they achieve, is a practical way to harness the knowledge and experience that already exists in the voluntary sector.

"This is a positive policy, and I'm delighted that David Cameron is standing firm in his commitment to supporting families."