Council Agrees Cuts To Childrens' Services

27 May 2011, 18:12

Mums across Hampshire have been promised that all 81 Sure Start children's centres will stay open.

At a meeting, councillors agreed to save £6 million pounds in management and running costs. The budget for Sure Start centres will be cut by a third. It’s expected that will mean 65 staff will lose their jobs.

The future of Sure Start centres in Hampshire has been controversial due to fears many would be closed under the cutbacks, but the council has previously promised that all 81 will stay open. Instead some centres will share managemnt teams.

Councillor Ken Thornber, the Leader of the County Council, said:  “These proposals are the most effective way to reduce costs while maintaining frontline services and access to them.  I hope that everyone will see that the way we are dealing the problems of reduced public sector funding are the best way to protect a range of much valued specialist services for the most vulnerable children and families.”

Councillor Roy Perry, the Executive Lead Member for Children’s Services, said that alongside its support for children’s centres the Council would continue to invest further millions of pounds in the wellbeing and development of children in their formative years through its professional support for the 667 nurseries and other early years education providers.