by political editor Paul Francis

A major drive to establish more than 100 children’s centres across the county is on hold and some could now not go ahead.

County education chiefs have unexpectedly announced a review of its plans and say one of the options could be to build fewer centres.

The centres have been a pivotal part of a drive to improve support for families with children under five and Kent is the middle of a final stage to establish a further 52.

They evolved from the Government’s Sure Start initiative, initially aimed at helping families in some of the country’s poorest communities.

KCC has plans for centres in every community, offering welfare advice and help for more than 83,000 children and their parents. Of those already up and running, some are based at schools while others are at community centres, health centres and libraries.

However, the council says it now wants to take stock of how the programme is progressing.

In a letter to county councillors, Cllr Sarah Hohler (Con), KCC’s cabinet member for children’s services, says the review will examine whether there is "potential to provide universal coverage for the children and families through fewer centres" and that KCC wants to "minimise the number of new builds as far as possible."

The letter emphasises the review is "very clearly not about diminishing the programme in any way but rather making sure that it is as long-term sustainable as possible."

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But opposition parties at County Hall have expressed disquiet. KCC has committed £7million to childrens centres on top of the £10million the council is receiving from the Government to fund them.

Labour group spokesman Cllr Les Christie said: "I am very concerned by this. My real worry is that this is more about reining back on the costs and I fear they may try and dismantle some."

Opposition Liberal Democrat leader Cllr Trudy Dean said: "The council says it is concerned that government funds are not enough but we have known that for years."

In a statement, Rosalind Turner, managing director of children’s services, said: "KCC will examine the current plans for this final phase of development and revise delivery plans to make sure effective, sustainable services can be provided where needed. This could ultimately mean that fewer centres are developed, although the thrust of the review is not about diminishing the programme and services."

Earlier this year, KCC was forced to ditch two contractors involved in its latest building phase amid concerns about their performance.