Overview

This bill aims to improve access to information about support services for infants, parents, and carers in England. It mandates that local authorities publish a "Start for Life" offer detailing available services on their websites and through other means, and requires the Secretary of State to publish an annual report on support services for infants and parents.

Description

The bill introduces several key obligations:

• Local Authority Duty: English local authorities must publish a "Start for Life offer" on their websites, detailing available services for infants, parents, and prospective parents. These services include maternity services, health visiting, services promoting positive parent-infant relationships, breastfeeding support, mental health services, and other services specified by the Secretary of State. Local authorities must also disseminate this information through other channels and keep it updated.
• Guidance Publication: The Secretary of State must publish guidance for local authorities on fulfilling their duties, consulting with local authorities and other relevant parties beforehand. Existing consultations are deemed to satisfy these requirements if they meet the bill's criteria.
• Secretary of State Reporting: The Secretary of State must annually publish a report summarizing the available support services in England and including other relevant information, such as the impact of the support and data collection methods.
• Data Protection: The bill clarifies that the publication requirements do not override data protection laws.
• Commencement: Some sections of the bill will take effect immediately upon passage, others will come into effect after a two-month period, and the main section for local authorities will come into force on April 1st, 2025.

Government Spending

The bill does not specify any direct government spending figures. The cost to local authorities for creating and maintaining the "Start for Life" offer, as well as the costs associated with the Secretary of State's reporting requirements, will be indirect costs borne by the government.

Groups Affected

• English Local Authorities: Required to publish and maintain the "Start for Life" offer, incurring administrative costs.
• Parents and Carers: Will benefit from improved access to information about available support services.
• Infants: Indirectly benefit from improved access to support services for their parents and carers.
• Service Providers: Their services may be publicized through the "Start for Life" offer.
• Secretary of State (Department of Health and Social Care): Responsible for producing the annual report and guidance.

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