Up to £1 million funding for families in Brighton and Hove

Brighton and Hove City Council is one of seven local authorities in the country to be given the money to develop “family hubs” which will allow it to improve services for children of all ages and their families.

The hubs will have a variety of professionals working to provide support services where “families only have to tell their story once” before getting access to help.

The government was said to be “very impressed” with the council’s bid for funding, which showed a "clear commitment to developing" local services.

The funding will help some of the most disadvantaged families in Brighton. Picture from PA

Councillor Hannah Clare, chairwoman of the council’s children, young people and skills committee, said: “I’m delighted we have been successful in our bid from government.

“We will be using the grant to further boost and transform the services we provide for children and families.

“Brighton and Hove has many strengths when it comes to supporting children and families. However, too many families still face barriers and do not have equal and fair access to the same opportunities as others.

Cllr Hannah Clare, chair of the council’s children, young people and skills committee

“The funding will help further our commitment to making Brighton and Hove a fairer city.”

The support will be available from conception to 19, and 25 if the young person has special educational needs or a disability.

A government spokesman said: “Your vision shows a clear commitment to developing the local service offer in line with the family hubs model framework, and we were very impressed with the quality of your bid.”

Councillors will discuss the findings of a review into “early help” and the new fairer Brighton and Hove strategy at a meeting of the children, young people and skills committee on Monday, June 13.