In a significant move to reinforce this social foundation, Croydon Council has outlined a proposal to expand its Family Hub network, underpinned by a substantial £6.2 million investment in government funding.
This is not a minor operational tweak; it represents a structural shift in how family services are delivered across the borough. Moving away from the fragmented models of the past, the proposal aims to consolidate support into a cohesive, borough-wide network that services families from pregnancy through to early adulthood.
The Investment Case: Ring-Fenced Growth
A critical detail for residents concerned with municipal finances is the source of this capital. The proposed £6.2 million is derived entirely from central government funding, specifically allocated to operate from April 2026 to March 2029.
Executive Mayor Jason Perry has confirmed that this expansion acts as a “value-add” to the borough, allowing the Council to develop these services without placing additional pressure on the general budget or local taxpayers. It is a strategic utilisation of external grants to secure long-term service provision without impacting the Council’s bottom line.
From “Centres” to “Hubs”: A Systemic Upgrade
The core of the proposal is the evolution of the traditional “Children’s Centre” model. Historically, these centres focused primarily on the under-fives. The new “Family Hub” model significantly widens the operational scope, offering an integrated range of services for families with children and young people aged 0 to 19, and extending up to age 25 for those with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).
This expansion creates a continuum of care. Rather than support cutting off when a child starts school, the new hubs provide a consistent touchpoint for parenting support, infant feeding, perinatal mental health, and home learning resources throughout a child’s development.
Spatial Strategy: The Three-Node Network
The operational plan relies on a “hub and spoke” logistics model, ensuring coverage across the borough’s diverse geography. The strategy proposes three primary “main hubs” supported by a wider network of outreach locations:
- The Southern Node: The Woodlands Family Hub is already operational, currently supporting more than 850 families each quarter.
- The Northern Node: The Samuel Coleridge-Taylor Family Hub serves the north of the borough, hosting a mix of council, health, and voluntary sector organisations each week.
- The Central Proposal: Following feedback from residents, the Council is considering the Croydon complex as the site for a potential central hub to bridge the gap between north and south.
To ensure accessibility, these main nodes are supplemented by local information points integrated into places families already frequent; libraries, schools, health settings, and community venues.
Validated by Data and Experience
The proposal has been subject to rigorous public consultation, with nearly 300 residents providing feedback. The data indicates strong demand for this integrated approach, with over 80 per cent of respondents supporting the plan.
This statistical support is backed by qualitative evidence from service users. The Knights family, who relocated to Croydon under unstable circumstances, credited the existing hub team with providing stability: “The help and support we received was above and beyond words or our expectations… no stone was left unturned in the support to help us move forward as a family”.
Next Steps
The Cabinet report outlines the roadmap for implementation. If approved, the funding will unlock the next three years of service delivery, cementing the Family Hubs as a permanent fixture of Croydon’s social landscape.
By integrating digital services with physical locations and extending the age range of support, Croydon is effectively engineering a safety net that evolves alongside its residents, ensuring that the borough’s infrastructure serves every generation.
