The best chance for local government to make the biggest difference in children's lives is when they are very young, between 0-5-years-old. We know children's experiences in these formative years can make a huge difference to their long-term outcomes.

In June, the Institute for Fiscal Studies (IFS) published research on the effects of children's centres on children's health outcomes. It showed that centres have had major benefits for children's health by reducing hospitalisations among children throughout primary school. The biggest benefits were felt in the poorest areas and were also greater over time. This has resulted in savings to the NHS of approximately £5m. The findings are significant and add yet more weight to the argument for adopting an ‘invest to save' approach in local areas.