Two children’s centers face an uncertain future if Kent County Council (KCC) funding worth more than £400,000 is withdrawn.

Surestart services in Margate and Sheerness, part of the KCC Family Hubs initiative, have now entered a consultation period and dozens of jobs could be at risk.

The council says it is seeking to make £100m in savings by 2026.

It says services are available at other locations in both areas.

Staff at the Millmead Center in Margate were told on July 25 that their jobs are at risk.

Millmead boss Jan Collins said: “I understand why this is happening but I cannot and will not accept depleting these services in high poverty areas and that is why I am encouraging as many people as possible to respond to the public consultation before it is too late .”

The Sheerness Seashells Center is also under threat and it is understood some jobs may be at risk, reports say Local Democracy Reporting Service.

“Financial Challenge”

Millmead and Seashells are the only externally funded hubs and their contracts expire in March 2025.

KCC runs the rest of the family hub service and said it has services available at Margate, Cliftonville and Northdown Road, and is proposing provision at Sheppey Gateway for Seashell’s users.

The council said: “KCC must deliver savings of £108.8m over the next two years by making changes to services that save money for the council while continuing to provide support to residents who need it.

Sue Chandler, cabinet member for integrated children’s services, said BBC Radio Kent: “Majority of services delivered in these hubs will be available in family hubs.

“We’ve been very careful to make sure they’re within reach.”

A public consultation in the proposal not to renew the contracts is open until September 22.

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