Oral question asked in the House of Commons, by Dan Rogerson (Liberal Democrat). It was answered on Thursday, 9 February 2006 on behalf of the Department for Education and Skills.

Sure Start/Children's Fund

Question: I should perhaps declare a non-pecuniary interest in that my family has attended Sure Start events, which have been excellent, and my sister works for the children's fund. Both schemes have provided excellent opportunities for people in my constituency, but they suffer from two problems. First, when delivering a scheme in a rural area with many small communities, they have a real funding problem if they are to provide the same opportunities in multiple locations. Secondly, they are insecure about what will happen when funding ends in 2008. Will the Minister agree to meet representatives from North Cornwall to discuss the situation?

Answer: I am really pleased that the hon. Gentleman and his family and friends have reaped the benefits of our investment in Sure Start. Sure Start is going well in North Cornwall precisely for the reasons that he identifies. Sure Start local programmes are pushing the boundaries to reach wider rural areas and helping us to learn how to reach small communities. There will be considerable investment in Cornwall for the next two phases of development of children's centres, with just about £7.5 million in revenue and capital for phase 1 and a further £5.5 million for phase 2. He can expect further children's centres in his constituency due to those phases, and I would be happy to meet a delegation.

Secondary information

Type: Oral question
Reference: 442 c994-5
Session: 2005-06
Oral question type: 1st Supplementary
Chamber / Committee: House of Commons chamber
Subjects: Children Cornwall Finance Rural areas Sure Start programme Children's centres Children's Fund
Link: View this Oral question on www.publications.parliament.uk