Labour vows to restore Sure Start services in 1,000 family hubs
Labour's health secretary announced a plan to reintroduce Sure Start health services across up to 1,000 family hubs within two years.
During a Labour conference, the health secretary unveiled a "Sure Start 2.0" initiative that will bring back integrated health services to family hubs across England, targeting up to 1,000 centres in the next two years. The scheme will extend the Healthy Babies programme, offering parents support with infant feeding, mental health, and regular visits from health professionals. Labour cites Institute for Fiscal Studies research showing the original Sure Start improved educational achievement through age 16.
The party claims the Conservative government let the programme fade after 2010 and promises to restore it as a flagship achievement. The announcement sits alongside Prime Minister Andy Burnham's broader platform, which includes ending the pensions triple-lock, proposing electoral reform and outlining options for the UK’s relationship with the EU.
Why it matters
Restoring Sure Start could improve early childhood outcomes for millions of families across England.
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