Millmead and Seashells are the only two externally commissioned Family Hubs in Kent. The Council directly runs the rest of Kent’s Family Hub provision.
KCC directly manages all other Family Hubs in the county.
KCC managed Family Hub services are available locally for Margate residents at Margate, Cliftonville and Northdown Road Family Hubs and the proposal is to deliver Family Hub services at Sheppey Gateway for Isle of Sheppey residents.
This consultation only relates to the services provided in these locations under the commissioned contract for KCC’s Children’s Services and not the closure of the buildings themselves. These centres can still provide lots of other activities and services not commissioned under these contracts which are not directly affected by this consultation.
The financial challenge facing the council is well documented. KCC needs to deliver £108.8m (2024 to 2025 published Medium Term Financial Plan) savings over the next two years by making changes to services that save money for the council whilst continuing to provide support for residents that need it.
By not renewing these contracts KCC would save £426,000 and ensure a consistent approach to Family Hubs across all areas of Kent.
“...we are looking at how we deliver our services to ensure that they are efficient and cost effective.”
Sue Chandler, Cabinet Member for Integrated Children’s Services said: “In light of the significant financial pressures KCC is facing, we are looking at how we deliver our services to ensure that they are efficient and cost effective.
“These are the only two centres run by external providers in the county. Under the current contracts for Millmead and Seashells Family Hubs, KCC is paying for both the delivery of the service and the local management of that service by the providers. Following the introduction of our new Family Hub model across Kent last year, the management cost for these two commissioned services creates a duplication as KCC is also paying for the management of the in-house services on offer at KCC Family Hubs across the Districts of Swale and Thanet.
“By not renewing these contracts when they naturally come to an end in March 2025, we can make a much-needed efficiency saving whilst continuing to provide essential services for families and young people in these areas.
“I urge everyone to read the consultation document for full details of our proposal and complete the questionnaire to share their views.”
The consultation will run for 8 weeks from today (Tuesday 30 July 2024) until 22 September 2024
For full details of this proposal and to have your say visit: www.kent.gov.uk/familyhubsconsultation
For queries or requests for hard copies, email familyhubsfeedback@kent.gov.uk
For alternative formats, email alternativeformats@kent.gov.uk or call 03000 421553 (text relay service number 18001 03000 421553).
The alternative formats phone number goes through to an answer machine, which is monitored during office hours.
