Kent County Council is considering withdrawing from the Maidstone Gateway Centre - a “one-stop shop” for the public to access local services.

The council, which runs 10 such centres across the county, says it can no longer afford to operate services from the centre because of budget cuts.

A further four centres will also be reviewed in the next 18 months: Gravesham, Dover, Tunbridge Wells and Tonbridge.

KCC says it could save £162,000 if services from Maidstone were relocated elsewhere, using its own buildings in the town.

But while the county council could save money, it could leave Maidstone council with a major cash problem as it would have to make up the six-figure sum.

In a consultation report, KCC says the gateway centre in King Street no longer represents value for money.

Of 50,406 visits in 2014, 88% were from people wanting help for services provided by Maidstone council, such as housing, planning and benefits.

Just 4% were from people who wanted KCC services.

The report states: “By moving our services to other locations, we would no longer need to contribute 50% of the costs towards... costs. This would help us to make the essential savings needed to support our frontline services.”

A range of KCC services are run from the Maidstone Gateway, including Kent Supported Employment, which helps people who face additional barriers to employment.

It also provides help, support and advice to deaf people aged over 18 whose first language is British Sign Language.

The charity Age UK also provides an information and advice service.

KCC pioneered the concept of gateways as a way of improving the public’s access to key public services, opening them mainly in town centres.

It spent £2.5m on the centres last year, of which £996,000 went on staff costs.

In a statement, Cllr Bryan Sweetland (Con), KCC cabinet member for commercial services, said: “We believe retaining KCC services in Maidstone Gateway no longer represents best value for money for council taxpayers.

"Withdrawing from it will help towards offsetting the unprecedented financial challenge faced by the council.”

He added: “If, following this consultation, we decide to relocate away from the Gateway we will deliver our face-to-face services from other KCC buildings within Maidstone. This includes the services we commission or partly fund.”

He added that there would be separate reviews of the other centres.

Cllr Dan Daley, Liberal Democrat Maidstone county councillor, said he opposed the plan.

“It is a backwards step and will isolate people. The place is always packed - why did KCC bother setting up gateways in the first place?" - Cllr Dan Daley

“It is a backwards step and will isolate people. The place is always packed - why did KCC bother setting up gateways in the first place? They were designed as one-stop shops for people.”

Maidstone council said it was aware of the consultation and was considering options.

In a statement, it said: “We remain committed to providing excellent customer services including face to face facilities for people who need them.

"We are looking at options, including another public sector partnership, to continue to provide services from the Gateway.”

Consultation over the plan will end on December 13. For details go to kent.gov.uk/maidstonegateway