§ Baroness Park of Monmouthasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether the Services Cotswold Centre is to close; if so, (a) how they propose to provide in one place the services for families suffering marital breakdown or other turbulence—for example, a creche, counselling and a small school for stressed children, as well as accommodation; and (b) what saving the closure represents; and whether the money is being ring-fenced for family welfare. [HL1434]
§ Baroness Symons of Vernham DeanHer Majesty's Government reaffirm their high regard for the work of the Services Cotswold Centre on behalf of Army families. The Centre is, however, under-utilised and a working group has recently been set up to explore alternative means of providing the service and to identify a solution that offers better value for money. The centre will not be closed until an appropriate alternative solution is in place. I shall write further to the noble Baroness when the position is clearer and a copy of the letter will be placed in the Library of the House.