I’ve written to the Minister for Women and Equalities to request increased support for Family Hubs in Norwich South.

I welcome the government’s recent commitment through the Family Hubs Programme to expand and strengthen this essential network.

Families here face high levels of child poverty and fuel poverty, and need reliable early intervention.

Family Hubs bring together health, education and family services in one place, succeeding Sure Start by offering more joined-up support.

I have asked for new hubs in areas with the highest levels of deprivation and for long term funding to protect them from future cuts.

[Text of letter is below.]

Subject: Request for Expanded Family Hub Provision in Norwich South

Dear Minister

I am writing to ask for additional support to expand Family Hubs in Norwich South.

As you know, Family Hubs provide joined-up services for families with children. They follow the model of the Sure Start programme introduced by the last Labour government. Sure Start improved outcomes for children and families, especially in areas with high levels of deprivation.

The Conservative government reduced the programme after 2010. Norfolk County Council, under Conservative control, closed 38 of its 53 children’s centres. These closures left gaps in early years support that Family Hubs now aim to fill.

So it’s hearting that the Labour government has rightly returned focus to early intervention. Our Best Start Family Hubs programme shows a renewed commitment to helping children and families before problems escalate. This approach reflects evidence and responds to concerns raised over many years about the loss of early support.

My constituency of Norwich South shows higher levels of need than many other areas. The most recent figures show:

• 35.3 per cent of children in Norwich live in poverty. The East of England average is 19 per cent.
• The proportion of lone parent households in Norwich exceeds the national average.
• Fuel poverty affects 12.2 per cent of households in Norwich. The regional figure is 10.3 per cent.
• Norwich has the highest private rental costs in Norfolk, which increases pressure on household budgets.

The city includes a high number of children with special educational needs and disabilities. Many families struggle to access early support.

Family Hubs bring together services such as health visiting, midwifery, parenting support, SEND services and mental health support. The Supporting Families programme shows that integrated services reduce the number of children entering care and improve outcomes in education and employment.

Norwich South has seen population growth and remains the most densely populated district in Norfolk. The number of hubs does not match the level of need.

I ask the government to:

• Increase support for Family Hubs in Norwich South.
• Place new hubs in areas with the highest levels of deprivation.
• Guarantee long-term support for Family Hubs and protect them from future cuts.

Families in Norwich South need reliable and accessible support. Expanding Family Hubs will help meet that need and improve outcomes for children.

Yours sincerely,

Clive Lewis MP

Relevant Sources

https://www.theguardian.com/society/2025/jul/06/one-stop-family-hubs-to-be-opened-in-all-english-council-areas
Explains the current government’s plan to open Family Hubs in every council area and describes their role in supporting families.

https://www.norfolk.gov.uk/news/2020/03/changes-to-childrens-centres
Details the closure of children’s centres by Norfolk County Council and the impact on early years services.

https://www.childpovertyaction.org.uk/child-poverty-in-your-area
Provides data on child poverty in Norwich South and compares it with regional and national figures