Political opinion: MPs demand urgent clarity on Buckinghamshire Family Hub as April 2026 deadline approaches

In a joint letter, Laura Kyrke-Smith MP (Aylesbury), Emma Reynolds MP (Wycombe), and Callum Anderson MP (Buckingham and Bletchley) raise concerns about a lack of publicly available detail on how the £216,633 Best Start Family Hubs Development Grant is being used, and whether the project is on track.

The government funding, awarded in October 2025, is intended to strengthen early years support, improve outcomes for children, and provide joined-up services for families, particularly those facing disadvantage. Family Hubs bring together services such as infant feeding support, early language development, and access to specialist care, aiming to ensure children receive the best possible start in life.

However, with days until the expected launch date, the MPs say residents deserve clarity on key decisions, including where the hub will be located and how the funding will be spent.

In their letter, the MPs asked the Council to confirm:

• Whether a site has been formally identified, and to provide any supporting assessments or reports
• The detailed spending plan for the £216,633 allocation, and how it will maximise impact for families most in need
• What consideration has been given to existing Family Centres and nurseries as potential locations, including the criteria used

The intervention comes amid wider concerns about the long-term decline in early years support. The MPs point to the success of the Sure Start programme, which delivered lasting improvements in children’s health, education, and wellbeing, but highlight that over 1,000 centres have closed since 2010 following cuts under the last Conservative Government to local authority budgets.

They argue that Family Hubs represent a vital opportunity to rebuild this support system if delivered effectively.

Laura Kyrke-Smith MP said:

“Family Hubs have the potential to make a real difference to families in Buckinghamshire, bringing together vital support under one roof and helping children get the best possible start in life.

“But with the April 2026 deadline fast approaching, it is essential that there is clear accountability and transparency around delivery. Residents deserve to know where this hub will be, how the funding is being used, and whether the project is on track.

“I will continue to press the Council for answers to ensure this investment delivers meaningful support for local families.”

Emma Reynolds MP said:

“This funding represents an important opportunity to strengthen early years provision and tackle inequalities from the very start of a child’s life. We know that early intervention works, and that it can have lasting benefits for children, families, and communities.

“It is therefore crucial that this investment is delivered with urgency, ambition, and a clear focus on those who need it most. Transparency is key to building public confidence and ensuring the funding achieves its intended impact.”

Callum Anderson MP added:

“Family Hubs should be accessible, joined-up, and properly targeted to support families facing the greatest challenges. Programmes like Sure Start, introduced by the last Labour government, gave me the chance to build the career I have today. Everyone in our county should have the same opportunity to succeed and move forward in life.

“With the opening date approaching, it’s vital that the Council provides reassurance that progress is being made and that this funding is being used effectively. We are seeking straightforward answers so residents can have confidence in the delivery of this important service.”

The Labour MPs have asked Buckinghamshire Council to provide a prompt and comprehensive response, stressing the importance of ensuring the funding is deployed effectively, equitably, and in line with its stated purpose.

They say they will continue to monitor progress closely and push for the delivery of high-quality, accessible early years support for families across Buckinghamshire.