PARENTS in Barnsley South look back with fondness, and often a sense of gratitude, for the support Sure Start services provided in those crucial early years of their children’s lives.

It was hearing their stories, and the difficulties of local families with young children growing up today, that this Labour government decided to bring back family and community services.

In 2010, when the Conservatives came to power, they took a scythe to those services.

The consequences were stark.

By the time they left government, one in four families with children under five couldn’t access local children’s centres or Family Hubs, rising to one in three lower income families.

Thousands of parents were cut off from vital community support networks and specialist services - left to navigate the challenges of parenthood alone.

This had a devastating impact on children’s life chances, with early development, wellbeing and future attainment all in jeopardy.

Nowhere is that clearer than here in Barnsley South, a desert for family and community services.

Speaking to local families across the area, I hear people asking time and again for more support around SEND, nutrition, youth services, early development and plenty more.

That is why I am really pleased that Barnsley has received over £1 million in funding from the Department for Education and the Department for Health and Social Care for 2025/26, to ensure that children, babies and their families receive the joined-up care

that they need for the earliest stages of their lives.

Best Start Family Hubs will build on the proud legacy of Sure Start, becoming Barnsley South’s one stop shop for parents seeking convenient, accessible support.

They’ll also build on the cost saving measures Labour has already put in place to support families:

30 hours of government-funded childcare, saving working parents £7,500 per child, per year.

New Best Start school-based nurseries, creating the places to make childcare accessible and affordable.

Best Start free breakfast clubs, putting £450 back in parents’ pockets with the national rollout beginning early next year.

Best Start HAF clubs, their future secure for years to come so they can support families over the holidays.

Cheaper school uniform costs with a cap on branded items.

I am proud that it is this Labour Government that is taking the real steps that families in Barnsley need to get the best possible start in life.

A Labour government, determined to deliver for children where the Tories failed, rebuilding public services and renewing our country.