Conservatives reject plans to fund Warwickshire's under threat children's centres

An 'extraordinary' meeting was held on Wednesday 29 November 2017 to discuss plans to use £1.5million cash from Warwickshire County Council reserves to fund Warwickshire's under threat children's centres.

A joint proposal was put forward by Liberal Democrats, Labour and Green Party Councillors, but this was unsuccessful as Conservative Councillors voted against the plans, which will now see children's centres axed as part of £1.1milion cost-cutting exercise by the Council. The cuts have been made in a bid to save money after the council was faced with a £67milion reduction in government funding.

The Conservative-led cabinet agreed the Warwickshire's 39 centres - which will be known as 'children and family centres' - would be reduced to just 14, with a number being used as 'outreach' bases run by third parties.

The move which was met with fierce opposition, is set to be implemented by October 2019.

Commenting after the meeting, Warwickshire Liberal Democrat Group Leader Councillor Jerry Roodhouse, said:

"What is being proposed from ourselves is consistent for Liberal Democrats, we said no cuts. The Tories today have confirmed that they do not care for children and families that need support. Liberal Democrats are committed to family support and will continue to campaign against the increasing child poverty we have in Warwickshire."