Question to the Department for Education:

To ask Her Majesty’s Government how many children's centres have closed in the last year, and how many will close in 2016.

In 2015, 144 children’s centres closed. The Department does not routinely collect data on the number of anticipated closures but expects local authorities to fulfil their duties under the Childcare Act 2006 to ensure sufficient children’s centres to meet the needs of local families. Local authorities must consult fully before any significant changes are made to children’s centre services.