Family hubs saved from closure in u-turn

Two family hubs in Kent are set to stay open after Kent County Council (KCC) overturned a decision to close them.

Seashells in Sheerness and Millmead in Margate were both due to see their funding end in April as the authority looks to make financial cuts of more than £100m.

But following a vote on Thursday, KCC has agreed to fund them for the next financial year.

However, while the U-turn has been described as a "great result", some questions still remain about how much money the centres will receive and if all their services would continue.

KCC had wanted to withdraw funding from the family hubs - thereby shaving around £425,000 off its budget - and provide the services in-house as part of tightening efficiency and spending.

However, that led to protests and the decision being called into full council where councillors voted in favour of overturning the proposal.

Only the second time in 25 years a decision put forward by a cabinet member has been overturned in this fashion, the outcome drew applause from the Seashells and Millmead volunteers and staff present.

After the vote Jim Duncan, CEO of Seashells, described the last nine months as a "living hell", adding that the news will "change and save lives".

"It means the world to us," he added.

Sue Chandler, cabinet member for integrated children's services at KCC, who initially recommended the hubs' closure, said she "appreciated it's been difficult for everybody".

"We all want the best for our children and families but I have to deliver it within the constraints of finance and policy, and government legislation."

She added that, until this week, KCC was "receiving clarification from central government on how funding could be spent".

"I hope that people will see the constraints we have to work to and also know that their thoughts and opinions have been heard."

There had been repeated calls by public figures to keep the family hubs open, including Labour MP for East Thanet Polly Billington and the Bishop of Dover, The Right Rev Rose Hudson Wilkin.

The Bishop had earlier urged the council to reconsider their decision to withdraw funding, telling councillors before the vote Seashells was a "vital lifeline for vulnerable families."

In an open letter, she described the in-house alternatives proposed as "falling far short" and "leaving many families without the critical support they rely on".

Mike Whiting, Independent KCC councillor for Sheppey, called the U-turn a "great result" and said it would give "some certainty" to those who risked losing their jobs at the hubs.

However, speaking on BBC Radio Kent he wondered how the future would look for Seashells and Millmead.

"How much of the money will they get, and what services?" said Mr Whiting.

"We need clarity on that."

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