Cuts hit 47 children's centres, MP's survey finds. 18 October 2011Last updated at 03:35 By Hannah Richardson BBC News education reporter Cuts to children's centres have mobilised parents At least 47 children's centres in England have either been closed or are being earmarked for closure because of funding cuts, research shows. The survey by shadow children's minister Sharon Hodgson also suggests eight out of 10 of those who responded have cut funding in the past year. A further nine out of 10 are planning to do so in 2012. The government said there was enough money in the system to maintain the network of children's centres. Ms Hodgson sent Freedom of Information requests to 152 local authorities in England about their plans for the Sure Start children's centres, one-stop support and advice shops for parents and children.
And her office has been gathering in the responses over the past nine months. All councils responded, but only 92 were able to say whether they were planning closures or not. 'Biggest losers' Find schools and Sure Start Children's Centres : Directgov - Do it online. Childcare options for 0 to 5 year olds : Directgov - Parents. SURE START Aims & Goals Pdf. Sure Start Children's Centres : Directgov - Parents.