It is the first time that councils have been taken to a judicial review by parents over cuts to Sure Start children's centres.
Solicitors acting on behalf of parents whose children attend the children's centres claim that both council's consultations have been unlawful and that plans to cut children's centres breach aspects of the Childcare Act 2006.
Richard Stein and Rosa Curling of Leigh Day & Co, who are representing the parents' groups in both cases, said, 'Local authorities have a clear duty under the Childcare Act 2006 to consult with parents and other stakeholders about their changes to children's centres. These consultations must comply with longstanding principles. Unfortunately, neither Hampshire nor Hammersmith and Fulham complied with their legal duties, and we have been forced to bring these actions on behalf of our clients.'
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