Issue - meetings

Report DCYP12033

The Portfolio Holder introduced a report outlining the strategy for alternative future usage of the twelve Children and Family Centres identified for closure in the Borough.  In considering the future options for the use of the Children and Family Centres, consideration was given to all expressions of interest received during the formal consultation which appeared to meet the criteria to prevent clawback of the capital invested.  The key requirement from the perspective of the Local Authority in relation to the future use of these sites has been whether the proposed use meets the general purpose of the original capital grant to provide ‘early childhood services’ to support children aged 0-5 years and their parents or carers, and to prevent capital clawback by the Department for Education (DfE).

The Committee noted that an alternative use for the centre at Elmers End had still not been established. There were no partner agencies interested in the site. Therefore Officers might need to consider a business case for selling it.

With regard to the expected clawback in relation to Princes Plain the committee were advised that initially the DfE had informed the authority that if the facility was sold they would clawback funding.  However the Director reported that the DfE had agreed to defer this clawback.  In addition they had also agreed to defer Widmore, Highway and Mottingham.

The DfE had advised that any future use of the centres had to be to provide “early childhood services” but were vague regarding any detail in the exact type of provision, additionally no deadlines had been provided.

Concerns were raised about the centre at James Dixon and its proximity to the school, as the centre would be used by “troubled” families.  Officers felt that the families using the centre would be the same families who would have children at the school so it could be a benefit.

A Co-opted member praised the Hawes Down Centre describing it as “well equipped and well run”

RESOLVED that the Portfolio Holder be recommended to approve the strategy for alternative future usage of those Centres which have been determined for closure.