The proposal was debated at a special internal scrutiny committee meeting last week, after it was 'called in' by Labour councillors, who are concerned that the move discriminates against poorer families and conflicts with the ethos of children's centres.
The decision was taken last November by the cabinet member for children and young people, Conservative Robert Caserta, to start making nominal charges for activities, such as dance sessions, which are not part of the 'core offer'.
The council is proposing charging £1.50 per family for these sessions. Stay-and-play sessions and messy play would be charged at a rate of £1 per family.
One-off promotional days, Christmas parties and summer fun events would cost £2 per child.
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