Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council plans early help cuts
- Published
BCP Council said the changes would improve access for families
A council is proposing to save £1.1m on children's and youth centres by cutting management roles as well as the cost of running buildings.
Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole (BCP) Council did not say whether any of the area's nine children's centres or 14 youth bases would close.
It said six children's centres would be converted to family hubs with extended opening hours.
The authority said the new services would be "timely and cost-effective".
Announcing a consultation on the plans, external, BCP Council said: "We propose reviewing the overall number of dedicated children's centres (nine currently) and youth bases (14 currently) to six family hubs and two youth bases."
It said the three remaining children's centres "are proposed to continue to offer some services to families", while youth centres would remain open "where possible".
The change "reduces the cost of operating multiple buildings across the conurbation", it added.
Pokesdown and Southbourne children's centre is one of those under review
The authority said it would also "reduce the overall number of management posts" although it did not provide a figure.
Families would have better access to services through extended hours, online services and outreach work, it said.
The family hubs are being created in line with government policy through an £883,000 government grant, external, it added.
BCP Council is working to close a £44m funding gap for 2024-25 and reduce future costs.
The council previously announced it would withdraw funding for the Bournemouth Air Festival after this year's event, as well as for Kings Park plant nursery and paddling pools.
It said it would cut Community Safety Accredited Officers, reduce grass cutting and may allow some libraries to close.
Councillor Richard Burton, in charge of children's services, said: "This consultation is about enabling families to only have to tell their story once to access the help and support that they need.
"By changing the structure of service, we can deliver what children, young people and their families need in a more timely and cost-effective way."
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