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Council cuts funding for two children's centres

Google A red brick building with blue windows is seen from a short distance. The entrance to the car park, which is full of cars, isalso visible. Google
Millmead Children's Centre, in Margate, is one the family hubs set to lose its funding

Kent County Council (KCC) has announced it is to cut funding for two children and family centres on the Isle of Sheppey and in Thanet.

It said services at Millmead, in Margate and Seashells, in Sheerness, will not be recommissioned when contacts end on 31 March.

It said some services will be moved to alternative family hubs.

Sue Chandler, KCC cabinet member for children's services, said it had been a "very difficult decision" but KCC is under "critical financial pressures".

She said: "Like a lot of decisions the council is having to make at this time, this was not easy, but I must ensure our services are equitable, efficient and effective for all Kent residents."

Independent Sheppey councillor Mike Whiting called the decision "disgraceful" and said Ms Chandler should "hang her head in shame".

He said cutting funding "is to cut into the heart of the community" and the "effect on families and young people in need of help will be deeply felt".

Mr Whiting hopes to bring the decision before the KCC scrutiny committee where he will have "one last chance to argue the case and try to persuade the cabinet member to change her mind".

Mike Whiting Head a shoulders shot of Mike Whiting, a white man with grey hair wearing a white shirt and blue jacket. He is standing in front of a tree. Mike Whiting
Mike Whiting said Seashells is "well used compared to other centres" and "value for money"

Karen Constantine, Labour councillor in Ramsgate, said KCC "should be ashamed" of itself and accused the council of "using people like pawns".

A petition to keep the centres open has attracted more than 6,000 signatures, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

KCC said the loss of the two centres would shave around £425,000 off its budget.

The local authority said it needed to find savings of more than £100m in the coming years.

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