Gordon Brown has renewed calls for a significant expansion of early years support, advocating for a revitalised Sure Start program to address rising child poverty rates in the United Kingdom. The former Prime Minister’s proposals, outlined in a paper titled “Partnership to End Poverty,” approach as new statistics reveal 4.3 million children – the highest number in 30 years – are living in relative poverty.
Brown argues that a generation of children born after 2010, numbering 3.4 million, have “never known what It’s like to be free of poverty.” He draws parallels to “Thatcher’s children,” a cohort who grew up during a period of high unemployment and social security cuts in the 1980s, suggesting a similar long-term impact awaits those currently experiencing deprivation.
At the heart of Brown’s plan is a relaunch of Sure Start, the early-years scheme initially introduced by the Labour government in 1998 when he was Chancellor. Even as at least 1,000 Sure Start centres have closed since 2010, Brown envisions a revitalised program operating as a “coalition of local and national government,” bringing together impact investors, and foundations. He proposes a £1 billion social impact fund to help finance the initiative.
The call for renewed investment in early years support is underscored by warnings that the UK child poverty rate is set to increase. Brown cautioned that the end of government emergency heating support, coupled with the planned conclusion of the £1 billion Household Support Fund and further benefit caps, will likely push the number of children in poverty beyond 4.5 million by Christmas.
Brown’s proposals extend beyond simply restoring funding levels. He advocates for a “coalition of compassion” involving charitable foundations, corporate investors, and government to fund a new approach to Sure Start. He highlighted instances of severe hardship, citing cases of families lacking basic necessities such as heating, beds, food, and even essential hygiene products.
The former Prime Minister’s advocacy builds on previous statements made in May 2024, where he proposed a £3 billion support package for the poorest families, funded in part by a bank reserve funds levy. This earlier plan also included a revitalised Sure Start, aiming to protect families from the ongoing effects of austerity and recent economic challenges, including the Covid-19 pandemic, the cost of living crisis, and the conflict in Ukraine.
Speaking in 1999, Brown affirmed the Labour Party’s core values of justice, fairness, and economic progress, highlighting the party’s commitment to debt relief for the world’s poorest nations. That commitment resulted in an agreement to write off $100 billion in debt, redirecting funds towards education, healthcare, and poverty alleviation.
As of February 15, 2026, the current government has not formally responded to Brown’s latest proposals, and the future of the Household Support Fund remains uncertain.
