§ Mrs. BrookeTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what plans he has to extend the number of deprived wards eligible to receive sure start financial support. [115109]
§ Margaret Hodge[holding answer22 May2003]: The Sure Start Unit was allocated funding in the 2002 spending review to establish children's centres to serve 650,000 children living in the most disadvantaged wards in the country. The Government's longer term aim is to establish children's centres services for all children living in the 20 per cent. most disadvantaged wards. Sure Start also funds local authorities, in all areas, to create, support and sustain good quality childcare provision through the Early Years and Childcare Grant.