Why ‘play’ cannot continue in its current form

Published: 18 February, 2011

• I WRITE in response to Councillor Paul Dimoldenberg’s letter (New attack on play centres and service is mean-minded, February 11).

Play services in Westminster have historically been heavily subsidised by the council. And in contrast to other local authorities, the council offered these services long after other town halls stopped.

But falling government grants and rising costs mean the service can no longer continue in its current form. We know how important play services are to families but the system as it was is simply unsustainable.

To put this in context, Westminster has traditionally charged parents, whatever their economic circumstances, just £22 a week for childcare during the school holidays – including free trips. 

In the current financial climate this is clearly not sustainable nor is it a sensible use of taxpayers’ money. 

We have to channel the money we have to priority areas so our most vulnerable children and young people are protected.

Under the new play service model, children in all areas of the city will have access to a play project and the council will continue to provide subsidised, low-cost places for the most vulnerable children.

And, although fees are going up, this will bring the service into line with comparable fees in neighbouring boroughs.

We are going to have to make some tough decisions about how we provide services but this will only be done to ensure we can continue to deliver services to those who need them most. These kind of service reviews are happening up and down the country, not just in Westminster, as councils of all political persuasions try to balance their books.

CLLR NICKIE AIKEN
Cabinet Member for Children and Young People