Derbys: Residents may have their say on County Council’s proposed children’s centre review

Derbyshire residents could be asked how they think children’s centre services should be delivered if a proposed review is given the go-ahead by the County Council.

The authority is trying to save £157 million by 2018 to meet Government spending targets.

A report going to the council’s cabinet meeting on Tuesday, 6th May will propose a review is carried out to look at possible ways of effectively delivering essential services for children and families while making a saving of £1.1 million.

The report outlines five possible options: Charging parents for using children’s centres; Charging organisations for using the buildings; Reducing staffing levels; Closing some centres; Only offering services which are not already available elsewhere through the voluntary, community and independent sector.

If the cabinet gives the go-ahead a five-week review and public consultation would take place, starting on Monday 12th May.

Feedback from the review would be used for a follow-up cabinet report in the autumn.

If any centres are earmarked for possible closure a further three-month consultation would take place before a recommendation was made to cabinet.