The government has pledged a new cash boost for local authorities in deprived areas.

The move, unveiled by new minister for children Margaret Hodge, is aimed at boosting early years education.

Under the proposals, every community will be served by a centre offering integrated early education and childcare, support and employment advice for parents and family health services.

Forum Response: Barnardo's

Pam Hibbert, principal policy officer of Barnardo's, told ePolitix.com: "We clearly welcome anything that boosts early years support and the proposal for joined up working."We would like these sorts of services to be offered universally, rather than piecemeal, as are some of the recent initiatives."It is important that families with young children get this support, but there is also a need for support and education for older children and their families."Many of Barnardo's community projects endeavour to provide these services for families with children of all ages."

Forum Response: CARE

Adam Atkinson, spokesman for CARE, told ePolitix.com: "Care welcomes any initiative aimed at supporting children, particularly the most vulnerable and those in deprived areas.

"On the face of it, the financial boost for early years childcare announced by the new minister for children is an important gesture. CARE would want to ensure that a balance is struck so that single earner families - usually those where one parent chooses to stay at home to look after children - are not discriminated against.

"Families who carry out early years childcare in the home need to be given support because of the important benefits that accrue to not only the development of their children and the stability of their own family but to the community at large.

"We look forward to seeing the details."