Lucy Powell MP, Labour’s Shadow Minister for Children, responding to the 4Children’s, Children’s Centre Census 2013, said:

“This report paints a stark picture of the future for children’s centres and for the families that rely on them. Despite David Cameron’s promise to protect Sure Start before the last election there are now 566 fewer children’s centres serving our communities.

“David Cameron’s cost of living crisis is putting more and more pressure on family life and family budgets. And children’s centres are an essential part of the web of support services available to help families. Labour’s primary childcare guarantee and the extension of free childcare for working parents from 15 to 25 hours will be a real boost for families feeling the pinch and struggling to balance work and family life.”