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| Green Party councillors join protestors at this week's council meeting |
Sign the petition here.
The future of Streatham Hub, which is next to Tescos and Streatham Leisure Centre, is uncertain with a further consultation on early years provision in the Streatham area continuing until June 3rd.
The second consultation for Streatham runs from 3rd May to 3rd June.
Green Group councillors have put forward an alternative budget proposal that would enable all 23 children's centres to remain open with their full range of services. They point to the 'reckless' borrowing the council is currently undertaking to fund its estate demolition programme as a cause of need to manage financial risk by massively increasing its reserves.
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| Cllr Nicole Griffiths: 'The council has a choice' |
Councillor Nicole Griffiths (St Leonard’s) said: “The £1.4 million a year needed to keep Children’s
Centres open is available to the council. But instead it has chosen to
hugely increase its reserves in an apparent attempt to try and deal with
future financial risk. The council should minimise its financial risk,
end its estate demolition programme, and instead invest in front-line
services. It has a choice not to implement Government cuts. It should
take it.
“Research shows that every pound spent on early years
care and education reaps benefits later in life. Closing Children’s
Centres and cutting services will have a detrimental effect on the most
vulnerable members of our community and is a false economy. High quality
early years care and education sets children up to thrive at school and
beyond."
More on the risky borrowing behind Lambeth's decision here.Lambeth Council's decision on children's centres can be seen here.
Save Streatham Hub petition here.
More on the campaign to save children's centres here.
Woodmansterne closure has nothing to do with building work, which has now finished.
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