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Cuts Watch: Children's centres put out to tender but 'will remain open'

Sandwell Council in the West Midlands is inviting tenders from third parties to take over the running of its 21 children's centres, but has pledged that no settings will close.

The local authority said it wants to see 'more diversity' in its children's centre provision, currently operated by a range of agencies including the maintained sector, schools and voluntary organisations.

Parents who are lobbying against the retendering of children's centre contracts met with Bob Badham, Cabinet member for children and families, last Wednesday.

Mr Badham said, 'Some parents have understandably expressed concern that the impending changes will have a negative effect on the centres, but they can be reassured that parents and the community will continue to be involved in managing the centres. Parents have always been a key partner in running the centres.'

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