Judge rejects challenge to Ealing centres closure plans

Ealing Council has been given the greenlight to close ten children’s centres following a High Court battle. 

The High Court has dismissed a legal challenge against Ealing Council’s decision to close ten children’s centres as part of changes to early help services. 

Campaign group Save Ealing Children’s Centres supported the case, which was brought by the father of a young child who used the centres. 

The group argued the consultation was unfair and that the council had not met its legal duty under the Childcare Act 2006 to provide enough centres to meet local need. 

Mr Justice Kimblin dismissed all parts of the challenge. He said the consultation was carried out early enough in the decision-making process, clearly explained the proposals and considered the responses received. 

Notably, the council also amended its plans after the consultation, retaining three centres that had been earmarked for closure.

The judge said the court could only decide whether the process was lawful, not whether it agreed with the decision. ‘There were undoubtedly other solutions which would also be lawful and which some people would prefer,’ he said. ‘however that is not territory into which this court may venture.’

Ealing Council proposed reducing the number of children’s centres from 25 to 12, while increasing outreach services in schools, libraries and community venues. More than 2,300 people responded to the consultation, with most opposing the changes. 

The claimant said the council had already decided to save £750,000 by closing centres in its financial strategy, making the consultation unfair. But the judge said the budget documents were only proposals at an early stage, not final decisions. 

Mr Kimblin said: ‘It would be surprising if the council did not undertake this work at the outset.’

He also rejected claims that the council failed to explain why specific centres were chosen for closure. He found the information provided allowed people to respond clearly.

While recognising guidance that there should be a ‘presumption against closure’, the judge said the council had properly balanced the need for centres with other early help services. He also said financial considerations could be taken into account.

The ruling means the council can continue with its plans. Fifteen centres will remain open, while ten will close or be de-designated. The judge said the consultation had led to changes in the proposal, showing it had ‘done the job it was intended to do.’

Photo: Kai Butcher

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