HISTORIC PRESS RELEASE : Treasury minister hails success of Redhill Sure Start Centre [August 2004]

The press release issued by HM Treasury on 11 August 2004.

Treasury Minister Dawn Primarolo praised the success of the Redhill Sure Start Centre in Stockton on Tees today as she met staff and parents during a visit to the centre.

Speaking at the Redhill Centre, which provides family support, parent outreach services and child and family health services to local families, Dawn Primarolo said:

“I am delighted to be meeting the staff and parents at the Redhill Sure Start Centre which is providing vital support for families in Stockton on Tees. The Sure Start initiative is an important part of the Government’s drive to abolish child poverty and improve opportunities for all parents.

“The wide range of services the Redhill Centre provides to families, including 50 childcare places, help local parents with bringing up children as well as developing their full potential in the workplace. These will be improved even further when it becomes one of the 2,500 new children’s centres, which bring together in one location a variety of services currently offered to young children, parents and carers.

“I am also pleased that many of the parents here are able to take advantage of support for childcare from new tax credits. Over 17,500 families in Stockton on Tees receive tax credits, with 28,700 children already benefiting. I would urge all parents who think they might be eligible to contact the Inland Revenue to ensure they claim their full entitlement.”