Labour-run Ealing Council is pushing ahead with its controversial decision to close more than 40% of its children’s centres in the borough, after a last-ditch attempt to overturn the move failed.
Despite a formal “call-in” challenge led by opposition Liberal Democrat councillors, Labour councillors voted to reject the review, clearing the way for the closure of at least ten sites across the borough. The move has sparked anger among campaigners, parents and political opponents who say it will harm the borough’s most vulnerable families.
At a tense meeting yesterday (3 July 2025), Leader of Ealing Liberal Democrats Councillor Gary Malcolm attempted to trigger the call-in process – a way allowing major decisions to be reviewed. His challenge was dismissed. Before the debate even began, a parent representative who had reportedly been invited to speak was abruptly told they would not be allowed to contribute.
The closures will affect children’s centres in Acton (Maples), Ealing (Hathaway and Log Cabin), Greenford (Windmill), Northolt (Northolt Park), and Southall (Grove, Windmill and Greenfields). Two others, Copley Close in Hanwell and Academy Gardens in Northolt, are set to be de-designated.
A petition launched by Save Ealing’s Children’s Centres attracted nearly 2,000 signatures, warning of devastating consequences for early years provision – from childcare and SEND services to safeguarding and health support.
Last month (June 2025) and in response to the backlash, the council revised its plans, announcing that it will expand outreach services through hubs in libraries, GP surgeries, and other community venues across the borough. Councillor Josh Blacker, cabinet member for a fairer start, stated, “We’ve listened carefully to residents and made important changes in response to what we heard. This is about getting support to families earlier and in the ways that work best for them.”
Councillor Malcolm cited figures from the Institute for Fiscal Studies showing Sure Start centres deliver £11 in benefits for every £1 spent. He said: “Liberal Democrats believe that this decision is deeply flawed. This is another example of Ealing Labour holding a consultation, ignoring the results and then axing vital services.”
He added: “The closures will result in worse outcomes for the vulnerable children and families across the borough and reduced accessibility. They are closing the Children’s Centres before they have thought about what they will have in place! This is a disgraceful decision.”
The council says services will instead be delivered via hubs in libraries, GP surgeries and community venues – but families and campaigners remain unconvinced.
An Ealing Council spokesperson previously told EALING.NEWS: “Children’s centres provide vital services for families and are cornerstones of the community, but the current set up is not working. We have 25 centres, but despite increased demand for statutory children’s services, not all families who could benefit are using them.
“Supporting our most vulnerable residents is a top priority for us, and our aim with the children’s centres is to design a service more tailored to our families’ needs and move services into the community to better reach those who may need our help, while retaining the largest number of children’s centres in London.
“The goal is to reach more families, earlier, with better support, and while some centres will no longer operate in their current form, the services themselves are being enhanced, with all seven towns seeing an increase in children’s centre activity following the changes.
“We’ve worked closely with the community throughout this process, engaged with over 2,000 residents, and have adapted plans based on what we’ve heard. We remain open to ongoing dialogue with all community stakeholders.”
