Issue - meetings

Cabinet Member: Children and Young People

Forward Plan Ref: 2025/214

Contact: Lisa Lyons, Director of Children’s Services

Lisa.lyons@oxfordshire.gov.uk

Report by Director of Children’s Services (CA8)

The Cabinet is RECOMMENDED to agree the response to the motion passed at Council on 9 September 2025

Recommendations approved.

Cabinet received a report proposing a response to Councillor Creed's motion on supporting community-operated children's centres and the development of family hubs which had been passed at the meeting of the Council on 9 September 2025.

Councillor Sean Gaul, Cabinet Member for Children’s Services presented the report.

The Council had received £245,000 from the Best Start Family Hubs Development grant for 2025/26, with further funding expected, and had allocated an additional £1 million to support services for under-5s, aiming to improve early education and child development. A multi-agency programme board, including social care, health, education, and the voluntary sector, was guiding the development of family hubs, with a commitment to collaborate with community-run children's centres.

During discussion Councillor Dr Izzy Creed raised concerns about ensuring funding reached the most deprived wards.  Councillor Gaul confirmed that officers had been tasked with using evidence and deprivation factors to guide the placement of family hubs.

Members highlighted the importance of funding existing children's centres, with the cabinet clarifying that government funding would have specific criteria but partnership with existing centres remains a priority.

Councillor Gaul moved and Councillor Roberts seconded the recommendation, and it was approved.

RESOLVED to agree the response to the motion passed at Council on 9 September 2025.