The decision on the future of “vital” children’s centres in Bucks has been delayed until next year – to the delight of campaigners who have fought to keep them open.
A protest that was going to be held on November 13 – the same day the county council’s cabinet was due to discuss the plans – will still be going ahead as planned, even though the controversial proposals will not be presented now until January 8.
Bucks County Council (BCC) wants to replace 35 children’s centres with nine new hubs that would be based in the areas of highest need and would provide parenting courses and sessions for people who need support. Other sessions could be held in community settings like schools, village halls and coffee shops or in the family home.
Save Buckinghamshire’s Children’s Centres – a campaign group set up to fight the plans, which could save the county council £3.3 million – say axing the children’s centres will affect children and their parents who rely on the service.
More than 2,000 people and organisations responded to a consultation with their views on the proposals and a petition to save the children’s centres has so far gathered more than 2,370 signatures.
Ozma Hafiz, who created the petition, said it would be “fantastic” if the centres were to remain open but they are “not at all confident at this stage”.
She said: “I genuinely believe if it hadn’t been for public pressure the decision would have been announced this month so well done to everyone who has helped. Let’s use this time to continue to raise awareness and build support. We’ve had comments from people to say they didn’t understand that children’s centres were under threat of closure during the consultation period.
“Comments from Cllr Whyte in the meeting which was webcast on October 17 made us feel that the decision to reduce these centres to nine hubs was a ‘done deal’ so we do hope the needs and well-being of children and parents will be prioritised.
“We’ve not received any reassurances that the children’s centres will remain open, however evidence shows that cuts to children’s centres lead to poorer outcomes. Closing these centres is likely to cost all of us more and increase pressure on resources like our NHS. They are key in helping families resolve any concerns before issues escalate.”
Warren Whyte, cabinet member for children’s services, said: “I am very pleased with the response to our consultation on improving early help services for children and families in Bucks. I highly value what our residents have to say and I am taking their feedback seriously.
“We want to develop the right service for children and families in Buckinghamshire, one that is fit for the future. For this reason we are extending the timeline for a final decision on the future of early help until the new year.
“It is important that we develop a model that will improve the lives of families who need us the most and that we take the time to get it right.”
Article originally appeared on Bucks Free Press
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