Charging at Sure Start?

[mazfah]

www.guardian.co.uk/society/2010/nov/14/childrens-centres-charge-for-services

Just skim read this as putting the dinner on but felt a bit empty afterwards.

This government seem to be relentlessly targeting children and famiies.

I'm speechless.

wouldn't it be something like - its free for those who have proof of benefits, and the rest have to pay?

beade, not to derail this thread into too much politics but it was the bankers and bailing them out that has caused the current mess, not things like SureStart.

I think if people want the service then charging is the way to go. Giving free places to those on benefits (who often have more disposable income to those working) is unfair - all parents should be treated the same.

Some of the classes are luxuries though so given the choice between paying for a school teacher or funding baby massage theres no choice.

Whats wrong with making people pay to use surestart services

hmm in theory I have no problem with them charging for the 'fun' things, however, if by administering it they exclude people who fall into the "will be charged" bracket, but don't feel they can afford it then that is a problem

state extravagance - how pathetic! A lifeline for myself, my partner and lots of others. 6 Billion pounds legal and condoned tax evasion by Vodafone (the tip of an iceberg) is what I call extravagance.

if we're talking cost effectiveness:

the early intervention of places like sure start can encourage parents to parent in a more productive way, which can help to ensure that their children do not get involved with petty crime, alcohol or drug abuse, which can in turn ensure that they parent effectively.

Getting involved in helping and empowering families at an early stage can be supremely cost effective in the long run - keeping surestart centres open now may save millions of pounds in court fees, prison sentences, drug rehab, NHS fees etc. in the future.

Anyone unsure about the feasability of this can read Ian Duncan Smith's paper on early intervention. (yes, that IDS)