REDDITCH MP Chris Bloore urged Ministers to invest in family hubs after the last 14 years of funding failure.
Speaking during a House of Commons debate on early childhood development, Mr Bloore challenged the previous government’s legacy of neglect that, he said, left communities like Redditch behind for over a decade.
Mr Bloore said: “Twelve months ago, the Prime Minister gave his final speech of the election campaign in Redditch, in a Sure Start centre abandoned by the last Government, in an economically deprived area of my town that was forgotten by the last Government and in a county that did not receive a single penny of funding for any family hubs in 14 years.”
After the debate, he said: “For too long, families in Redditch were ignored by the last Government.
“We saw Sure Start centres closed, no funding for family hubs and communities left to fend for themselves despite growing need.
“I’m determined that under this Labour Government, Redditch will finally get its fair share. We’ll build on the legacy of Sure Start, invest in our communities and make sure every child – wherever they grow up – gets the best possible start in life.”
Mr Bloore highlighted the symbolism of the Prime Minister’s choice to end the last election campaign in Redditch but also the importance of now moving from symbolism to substance.
“It’s not enough to use Redditch as a backdrop for speeches,” he added.
“This is about delivering real, tangible support for children and families in our town.”
