The Health and Social Care Committee has published a report on service delivery in the early years in England, examining progress made since its 2019 inquiry into the first 1,000 days of life. The report draws on written submissions and evidence sessions with professionals and government officials. It focuses on areas including the Family Hubs and Start for Life programme which aims to provide joined up and enhanced services for families. The report finds that progress on proportionate universalism in the early years appears to have stalled since 2019 and many parents from low-income households are unable to access children’s centres or Family Hubs in their local area. The Committee is calling on the government to outline its plans to further expand the network of Family Hubs, recruit more health visitors and improve access to perinatal mental health care within the Hubs.
Read the report: Boost infants’ life chances with more Family Hubs, health visitors and new vaccines strategy, MPs tell Govt
Source: Health and Social Care Committee
Date published: 22 January 2026
