Liverpool is set to lose four children's centres following budget proposals published by the council.
Liverpool City Council, which is trying to close a budget gap of £91m for 2011/2012 and a further £50m in 2012/2013, is planning to close four settings in the least deprived parts of the city.
The local authority said the amount it has received from the Early Intervention Grant represents a cut of £6m in real terms compared with the funding it previously received for Sure Start.
Council leader Joe Anderson said that he was 'angry and devastated' about the decisions that the council is having to make. 'We have managed to save 22 children's centres. Given the amount of funding we have had withdrawn, I think it's remarkable that we have managed to save them'.
The council's briefing paper on the budget, which was sent out to all councillors, also says that day care and nursery provision will no longer be supported where there are surplus places, which is likely to affect four nurseries. The budget will be finalised on 2 March.
Sefton is about to carry out a ten-month review of Phase Two and Phase Three children's centres after the council backtracked on proposals to axe the settings (Cuts Watch, 26 January).
The children's centres were given a reprieve after parents handed in a petition with 3,775 signatures.
A timescale has been drawn up on how the review, to be chaired by the council's cabinet member for children's services, is to be carried out.
The aim of the review will be to determine the future sufficiency of early years provision and develop a model that meets national priorities. It will also explore the costs, strengthen partnerships with the health service, and consider the potential to extend the age remit of the centres from birth to 11-year-olds. The review will also have to demonstrate value for money.
