Derbyshire children's centres face closure threat

In a report being considered by the council’s cabinet next month Ian Thomas, the strategic director for children and younger adults, says the closure of the centres “would be the most realistic option” to saving money.

The move has been taken as the council looks to make £157m worth of savings over the next five years.

Other options being considered include charging families to use the service. However, Thomas concedes this may not be viable as it would be unlikely to meet the level of cuts required and “could reduce the engagement” of families.

A levy for other organisations to use children's centre rooms and facilities is also being considered as are staff cuts at each centre, although Thomas’s report says that any reduction of frontline roles could raise safety concerns. Instead staff reductions would likely be focused on management roles and involve centres opening with reduced hours.

The role played by voluntary and community sector (VCS) services for families is also being considered as part of the review. The report says that areas with a high level of VCS provision could be earmarked for reduction in the range of children’s centre services on offer.

Cabinet members will vote on whether to carry out a full review of the plans, including the closure of some centres, when they meet on 6 May. Councillors will also decide on whether to launch a consultation on the proposals from 12 May to 17 June.