The figures, based on a Freedom of Information (FOI) request sent to all local authorities by the political party, show that the number of ‘designated’ children’s centres across the country have fallen from 3, 631 in April 2010 to 3,003 this month. This is equivalent to the closure of nearly three centres a week.
The Labour party’s analysis also shows that of the children’s centres that remain, many have seen their services, opening hours and staff numbers reduced.
Local authority responses to Labour’s FOI reveal that one in ten Sure Start centres provides fewer services, one in six has reduced its opening hours, and one in five has fewer staff than in 2010. These figures could be higher as some local authorities failed to respond to the party.
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