ALL four London boroughs have been awarded around £50,000 to spend on improving services for parents.

The Government wants councils to spend the cash on providing information and support for mothers and fathers.

Local authorities have a crucial part in making sure parents are listened to and their needs met, says families minister Beverley Hughes.

Bromley Council has been awarded £60,000 and Greenwich Council has received £49,303.

The Government has awarded £46,796 to Bexley Council and £50,138 has been given to Lewisham Council.

Mrs Hughes said: "Evidence has shown parents are the single most significant factor which determines their child's success.

"I want local authorities to pay additional attention to how services work with, and respond to, the needs of parents, both mothers and fathers.

"We also know that the majority of parents say there are times in their lives when they would like more help, including a range of information, support services and parenting programmes."

A total of £7.5m has been awarded to all local authorties in England.

The money will be awarded to councils in two stages between now and 2008.

Log onto newsshopper.co.uk to find out your local council's reaction to the news.