Children's centres threatened by funding cuts

Services provided by the Millmead Centre are under threat because of budget cuts

Two children’s centres face an uncertain future if more than £400,000 worth of funding from Kent County Council (KCC) is withdrawn.

The Surestart services in Margate and Sheerness, part of the KCC Family Hubs initiative, have now entered a period of consultation and dozens of jobs could be at risk.

The council says it is trying to make £100m in savings by 2026.

It says services are available at other sites in both areas.

Staff at the Millmead Centre in Margate were told on 25 July their jobs are at risk.

Millmead manager Jan Collins’ said: “I understand why this is happening but I cannot and will not accept depleting these services in areas of high poverty and that is why I am encouraging as many people as possible to respond to the public consultation before it’s too late.”

Sheerness Seashells centre is also under threat and it is understood some jobs may be at risk, reports the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

'Financial challenge'

Millmead and Seashells are the only externally funded hubs and their contracts run out in March 2025.

KCC runs the rest of the family hub service, and said it has services available at Margate, Cliftonville and Northdown Road, and proposed provision at Sheppey Gateway for Seashells’ users.

The council said: “KCC needs to deliver £108.8m savings over the next two years by making changes to services that save money for the council whilst continuing to provide support for residents that need it.

Sue Chandler, cabinet member for integrated children’s services, told BBC Radio Kent: "The majority of the services that are delivered through in those hubs will be available in the family hubs.

"We've been very careful to make sure they're within accessible distance."

A public consultation into the proposal not to renew the contracts is open until 22 September.