PFI

Costs are a lot higher in London - why isn’t this reflected in the children’s centre allocation?

There is a comprehensive framework of universal and targeted support in place to support the delivery of Sure Start capital projects and respond to difficulties. We do, however, recognise that it can cost more to deliver certain capital projects and provide services in London and allocations for the 2nd phase of children’s centres include London revenue and capital uplifts.

Children’s centre capital provides additional funding to provide services for children aged 0-4 years – through the provision of integrated services. Initially this funding has been targeted at children living in areas of deprivation. Our expectation is that centres will be developed from a range of other provision, that in many cases have previously benefited from large sums of capital investment as a result of one or more programmes e.g. Sure Start local programmes, early excellence centres, neighbourhood nursery initiatives and schools. We expect local authorities to maximise opportunities for joint funded capital projects - this should lead to better use of public money and projects and better support the delivery of integrated services.

Has consideration been given to regional variations for capital and revenue cost?

Phase 2 children’s centres have been given a London unit cost uplift of 10% for revenue and 20% for capital and this is contained within the notified allocations. In addition we have also provided a rural uplift to those local authorities with rural areas.