Liberal Democrats urge support for Children's Centres
Liberal Democrats urged support for existing Family Hubs and Children’s Centres, and to consider re-opening those which have closed, at Wednesday 8th October’s Full Council meeting.
Cllr Henry Vann commented,
“We were shocked and appalled to see the closure of five Children’s Centres for a modest revenue saving earlier this year. During the pandemic and the years of austerity, Mayor Dave Hodgson ensured that every single Borough Children’s Centre remained open. Now within 18 months of the Conservatives taking control, we see five centres closed.”
“I was pleased to see that my motion calling for consideration of the re-opening of closed centres received unanimous support. However, I am deeply disappointed that Labour and Conservative Councillors endorsed the closures of Kingsbrook and Goldington Children’s Centres. They ignored the wishes of our residents expressed in our petitions – which received 285 signatures.”
“I would like to thank everyone who signed our petition and to reassure residents that we will continue to monitor the provision of Family Hubs and their outreach work, which is so vital for families across the Borough.”
Notes:
Full Council passed the below motion:
Full Council:
- Supports continued provision of Family Hub and Children’s Centre services at existing sites (Queen’s Park, Pine Cones, Central, Daisy Hill, Cherry Trees, Eastcotts, Bluebells)
- Expresses concern at further cuts to Children’s Centre or Family Hub budgets, particularly in light of the closure of centres;
- Requests that the Executive make every effort to maintain outreach and support, report on delivery of provision under the Family Hubs model to ensure the most disadvantaged are not losing out, and considers the re-opening of centres in the areas most in need.