Uncertainty surrounding the future of Children’s Centres in Bath and North East Somerset has once again emerged, as Councillors considered a report at a meeting of the Children and Young People Policy Development and Scrutiny Panel on Tuesday.

At the meeting, a whole series of questions were asked about plans to address a shortfall in the Children’s Centre’s budget, including options to outsource the services to an external provider.

Cllr Liz Hardman (Labour) said: “Earlier this year, the Cabinet Member for Children’s Services speculated that all Children’s Centres might be at risk of closing. It was with this in mind that I sought assurances from him about what the future of Children’s Centres in B&NES might look like.

“We have been told that there is a need to reduce the operating costs, and that a number of proposals are on the table. What really worries me is that the process of cost-cutting might result in some of our very effective services being put at risk.

“There is a history of outside providers delivering some Children’s Centre services in B&NES. For example, currently First Steps in Bath provides Children’s Centres services to those living in the South West of the city, and these are particularly well regarded and effective services; First Steps sees about 120 families each day.

“Their Children’s Centres services are unique, as they are delivered by a team of family support workers who offer support for babies and groups for toddlers.

“First Steps is a community organisation, which has earned the trust of parents, many of whom become volunteers before going on to find paid employment.

“The fear is that their Children’s Centre services will be commissioned elsewhere, thus losing their valuable community involvement.

“I will continue to work to secure a viable future for Children’s Centres and will be challenging the Cabinet to answer my questions and concerns.”