Purpose

To provide an overview of and approve the 2026-2029 Best Start Family Hubs grant, programme and local delivery requirements.

Decision

Cabinet considered a report of the Director of Children's Services seeking approval to accept the Best Start Family Hubs and Healthy Babies Government funding and the proposed programme of expenditure.

The Head of Early Years, Early Help and Neighbourhoods attended the meeting, presented the report and responded to questions and comments from Members.

In presenting the report, the Officer explained that the Best Start Family Hubs and Healthy Babies Programme formed a key part of the Government's Best Start in Life agenda and strategy. The Council initially signed up to deliver the programme, formerly known as the Family Hubs and Start for Life Programme, on 31st October 2022. The programme had subsequently evolved into the Best Start Family Hubs and Healthy Babies Programme, with joint oversight provided by the Department for Education and the Department of Health and Social Care.

The Officer advised that the funding would support the continued development and delivery of integrated family hub services, improve outcomes for babies, children and families, and strengthen partnership working across the borough.

Resolved:

1. That the Best Start Family Hubs and Healthy Babies Programme grant funding be accepted and expenditure be approved in accordance with the programme's delivery requirements and grant conditions, to enable implementation of the programme and ensure that all funding requirements and timescales are met;
2. That delegated authority be granted to the Director of Children's Services and the Director of Public Health, in consultation with the relevant Portfolio Holders and the Section 151 Officer, to authorise expenditure required to support the implementation and delivery of the Best Start Family Hubs and Healthy Babies Programme, in line with the approved grant conditions and funding requirements.

Reason for decision:

Approval was requested to enable funding to be claimed for the delivery of the Best Start Family Hubs Programme ensuring services remained and would be extended for children and families within Rochdale.

Alternatives considered and rejected:

The alternative of not approving expenditure and resources required to deliver the programme would significantly reduce services and impact the outcomes of local children and families in addition to reducing income to the council.