North Yorkshire Council is set to consult on closing three Sure Start children's centres in Harrogate and Knaresborough.
Sure Start was a flagship policy of Tony Blair’s Labour government and was launched to improve children’s life chances, with local authority-controlled centres set up to support early learning for children under five.
The three centres were set up with a combined £2.9m of government funding but will now likely close for good due to cost-cutting measures.
Harrogate Bilton Sure Start centre was based at the now-closed Woodfield primary school site and received £330,000 in government funding.
Harrogate Central Sure Start centre at Saltergate Primary School received £1.7m in funding and Knaresborough’s children’s centre at Manor Road received £803,000.
The council said since the covid pandemic began almost five years ago, many of its support services for parents and children have moved online.
A spokesperson said this has reduced the need for physical premises and has led to more people being able to access services.
They also said deregistering the buildings as children’s centres will allow “much greater flexibility” for future uses of the spaces which could generate income for the authority and save money on bills.
The sites are included on a list of 18 remaining Sure Start centres across North Yorkshire that are set to close.
A 28-day public consultation is set to begin at the end of August if approved by the council’s Conservative executive members for education next week.
A report will then go before the executive in October before a final decision is made.
Since the Conservative and Liberal Democrat coalition government and the introduction of austerity measures, more than 1,000 Sure Start centres have closed.
North Yorkshire Council and the former county council have closed 18 children’s centres. These were set up with a total Sure Start government investment of £4.9m which it was not required to pay back.
UNISON’s head of local government Mike Short said the closure of children’s centres is hitting the region’s most vulnerable families.
He said:
“Cuts to these crucial services merely create more problems and costs for the future.
"Ministers and council leaders should invest in children’s centres as part of wider plans to stabilise council finances and provide a boost to parents and youngsters.”
Harrogate-based Sporting Influence Foundation to tackle 24 climbs in 24 hours
Giant vegetables take centre stage at Harrogate Autumn Flower Show
Alpamare waterpark to be sold to 'protect its future' with private investment
Roadworks causing growing disruption in Harrogate and Knaresborough, officials admit
Yorkshire artist brings Harrogate's Old Market Hall back to life
Martin House hosts first children's palliative care conference
Judge appointed to lead inquiry into North Yorkshire mental health trust
Harrogate group raise more than £40,000 with cycle to Bordeaux
Scotton pub wins Tripadvisor award for seventh year running
Almost 2,000 people sign Knaresborough landslip petition
Police appeal after Range Rover damaged in Knaresborough
St Aidan's teacher recognised at national Teacher of the Year Awards
Bramham Park to host its first Christmas market
Harvest gown unveiled for flower show's 50th anniversary
Ripon's Mario's Restaurant named among Tripadvisor's top 10%
Harrogate Rugby Club reveals plans for clubhouse expansion and padel courts
Police appeal after Lister House minibus vandalised in Ripon
Council urged to "show me the money" and provide evidence of home-to-school policy change savings
Kate Mosse and Prue Leith among stars of Harrogate Literature Festival
Ripon among UK's top cities for missing parcels
