§ 36. Mr. Philip Oppenheimasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will take steps to extend support for families with children under five years of age.
§ Mr. NewtonWe have just launched an initiative to increase provision for disadvantaged families with children under five by stimulating and supporting voluntary sector activity in this area. Expenditure under the initiative will rise to £2 million per year in 1984–85 and 1985–86. The initiative is designed to help voluntary bodies working with children under five in families which may have particular problems, such as one-parent families, low-income families where both parents need to work; isolated parents at home who need help in coping with very young children; and ethnic minority mothers and children. The major voluntary bodies in this field were invited to submit proposals for a wide variety of schemes involving full day care, such as day nurseries and childminding; part day care, such as playgroups, playbuses and creches; and family support, such as mother and toddler clubs, home visiting and toy libraries. We have now selected some 80 specific projects for funding which is available immediately. Further funding for small projects proposed by smaller local self-help groups is available through the National Council for Voluntary Child Care Organisations, which is acting as agent to administer these funds on our behalf.