Following today’s agreement by Warwickshire’s Conservative Cabinet to the recommendations on the future of Children’s Centres, Liberal Democrat and Labour members have combined to “call in” the decision. This means that the Cabinet’s decision cannot be implemented immediately, but will go for further review at a special meeting of the Children’s Overview & Scrutiny Committee to be arranged.

Cllr John Whitehouse (Kenilworth Abbey), Liberal Democrats spokesperson for Children & Young People, said:-
“There were many concerns expressed by members during today’s meeting. in particular that the ‘Option 1’ now being recommended for implementation differed significantly from the version that had been in the consultation which ended on 27th August. There were also a number of important questions which received inadequate answers on the day.”

Cllr Jerry Roodhouse (Rugby Eastlands & Hillmorton) said:
“This is a vitally important decision, which the Council needs to ensure it gets right. The referral back to the Overview & Scrutiny Committee will provide another opportunity to ensure it does so.”

Another Cabinet item on changes to the Integrated Disability Service was also called in by members after the meeting, and will be referred back to Overview & Scrutiny also.