Oxfordshire children's services merger plan

Oxfordshire County Council said one service for babies to 19-year-olds would be created under the plans

Oxfordshire County Council plans to merge its children's services in a bid to save £6m by 2018.

Under the proposals, the county's early intervention service could be integrated with children's social care, which includes children's centres.

One service for babies to 19-year-olds would be created rather than continuing with services divided by age group.

It said some of its 44 children's centres, for under fives, and seven early intervention hubs could close.

"Maintaining services through the current network of centres is not sustainable and alternative options for these buildings should be sought," the report said.

The hubs provide a base for direct work with children, young people and local families, the council has said.

In 2013, David Cameron met children's centre campaigners in Chipping Norton

A focus on prevention work in a bid to stop children's needs escalating is also recommended in the report.

It said this could mean sacrificing some of the authority's more general services, including stay-and-play sessions for parents and their children.

The council said its current services needed to be "streamlined" in response to financial pressures.

'Joined-up working'

It said the location of services and funding should be determined by factors, including children on protection plans.

The authority said one combined service would allow "for better joined-up working and use of limited resources".

The report also said due to current indications from the government "we recognise that reductions in the service, beyond the £6m, will be needed".

In October 2013, protests were sparked over fears some children's centres could close.

By December council leader Ian Hudspeth said children's centres were no longer under threat, but last December they were back on the agenda.

The council's cabinet will discuss the latest plans on 23 June.