To ask the Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families how many Sure Start centres have been opened since 2005 (a) nationally and (b) in Milton Keynes; and how much capital funding has been allocated to such centres. (311248)

Please see table 1 for the Sure Start children’s centres designated since 2005.

The Department allocates capital funding for Sure Start children's centres and their predecessor Sure Start local programmes to local authorities. It is for local authorities to decide how to allocate the grant flexibly to best meet their local objectives.

In 2004 local authorities received a two year allocation (2004-06). Since 2006-07 all children's centres capital formed part of the main capital block of the Sure Start Early Years and Childcare Grant. Please see table 2 for the Milton Keynes and national capital allocations from 2004-06 and 2009-10.