Ealing Council is set to reconsider its decision to close several children's centres following a call-in by councillors. The Overview and Scrutiny Committee met on Thursday, 3 July 2025, and voted to send the decision regarding the Improved Early Help Offer and Early Help Strategy 2025-2028 back to the cabinet for reconsideration.
The call-in was requested by a group of councillors, including Councillor Jon Ball, who argued that the decision did not adequately consider principles of proportionality, due consultation, respect for human rights and equalities, openness, clarity of aims, and consistency with the council's budget and policy framework.
The councillors who requested the call-in raised concerns about the planned reduction of children's centres from 25 to 15. They argued that there was a lack of evidence to show how the closures would improve access to services and criticised the consultation process, stating that it was biased and did not adequately consider the needs of disadvantaged groups. The reasons for the call-in can be found in Appendix A - Call-in form Improved Early Help Offer and Early Help Strategy 2025 - 2028.
The Overview and Scrutiny Committee considered the Call-in of decision - Improved Early Help Offer and Early Help Strategy 2025 - 2028 at its meeting. The Agenda and Public Reports Pack for the meeting are available online.