MP welcomes extra sure start funding

South Lakes MP Tim Farron has welcomed the announcement that Cumbria County Council has given the go-ahead to a one-year funding extension for Sure Start centres up to 31 March 2015.

The current contracts with the three provider organisations - Barnardo's, Action for Children and Howgill Family Centre - runs until 31 March 2014.

Cumbria's Sure Start Childrens' Centres provide support and information for parents and prospective parents on local services for themselves and their children. They aim to help ensure that these services are made available in an integrated manner; that every child in Cumbria has the best start in life; and that parents have better opportunities.

Tim said: "Local Lib Dem councillors have always prioritised Sure Start centres and now we are providing the support not only in terms of campaigning, but also in terms of funding.

"Sure Start Centres help make a massive difference and I hope this extra funding will give them the chance to plan a little further ahead and give them extra security. But this is just an extra year - I hope the council now start working on a longer term funding solution to safeguard the centres."