Labour campaigners trying to save West Sussex Children and Family Centres from closure have been shocked that a petition with nearly 10,000 signatures will not be discussed by West Sussex County Council until after cutbacks are agreed.
Labour councillors launched the petition earlier this month calling on the County council to halt proposed cuts to its Early Help service and reverse the proposed closure of 32 of the county’s 43 Children’s and Family Centres and all 12 Find it Out advice centres.
The Tory run council will decide next year’s budget on 12 February, which includes a planned cut of £1.95 million from services for children and young people. But they have decided not to discuss the petition until 19th March – more than a month after the cuts will be voted on.
Arundel and South Downs Labour are appalled that the petition will not be considered at the budget meeting: Chair Linda Taylor said:
‘Ignoring the views of thousands of local residents until after the budget has been set sends a clear message that local democracy is in tatters in West Sussex.”
In Arundel and South Downs five Children and Family Centres are under threat in Petworth, Pulborough, Little Footsteps (Storrington), Angmering and Sussex Downs (Hurstpierpoint) as well as nearby centres such as Burgess Hill and Billingshurst.
Labour’s candidate for WSCC councillor candidate for Hurstpierpoint and Downs Alison Whelan said: “These families and their children need our help, especially now. If this council was better managed financially then these cuts wouldn’t be necessary and, if Conservative councillors had the interests of West Sussex families at heart, they would not be made at all.”
Fred Burns, Labour’s candidate for Hassocks and Burgess Hill South
“Parents I have spoken to are passionate about the importance of these centres. They provide support, advice and a community for parents (and children) who don’t have the money or families to turn to. They’re also vital for parents with learning difficulties, in abusive relationships and or with addictions. These proposed Tory cuts are cruel and mean and will have a disastrous impact on many lives that are hidden from our view, the people at most in need of help.”
It is not too late to sign the petition to continue to show the council that this is an unacceptable move.
"These proposed Tory cuts are cruel and mean and will have a disastrous impact on many lives" - Fred Burns, Labour candidate for Hassocks and Burgess Hill South
"Families and their children need our help, especially now" - Alison Whelan, Labour candidate for WSCC councillor candidate for Hurstpierpoint and Downs Alison Whelan