A family support service is to be dropped by cash-strapped council chiefs – a move which would cause “fundamental damage to a vulnerable part of the community”.

Hertfordshire County Council’s Children’s Services Panel recommended that Home-Start’s home-visiting service to families struggling with children under five should not be continued.

Homestart is based at The Borehamwood and Elstree Chldren's Centre, in Shakespeare Road, Borehamwood.

The move would save £390,000 a year.

The decision has been branded “short-sighted”, “concerning” and “untenable” by opposition politicians and charity workers.

Emma Power from Home-Start said: “I completely appreciate the need to make cuts and how services for children under the age of five have changed with the provision of children centres, Thriving Families and funding for two year olds.

“However, Home-Start has evolved and changed to continue to meet the needs of children – with most parents citing their biggest need as being social isolation, therefore they are not readily accessing the services provided in the community.

“I am very concerned for families in Hertfordshire - our colleagues at children centres are working at full capacity, prioritising families who are on plans such as Child Protection and Child in Need.

“Home-Start is so much more than a family support service, we are a life line for many families coping with huge issues such as domestic abuse and mental health.”

County Councillor Richard Roberts, cabinet member for children’s services, said he understood the charity’s concerns but ‘the landscape had changed’ and families can now access the support they need at their nearest children’s centre.

He vowed that vulnerable families would “not fall through the cracks” and said the proposed decision had not been taken “purely for financial reasons”.

Councillor Roberts said: “We will continue to work with our partners in health and the voluntary sector to help parents give their children the best possible start in life.

“There would be an outreach programme, so families who currently receive the home visiting service will be offered alternative support through their local children’s centre.

“There are 76,000 children in Herts and of those there are 395 families that would be affected, which works out for about an extra four families for every centre – it’s a small amount.”

The council has set aside £200,000 to ensure the Home-Start service is funded until April to “ensure a smooth transition”.

The decision needs to be ratified by Cabinet in July.

The Conservative-controlled council’s decision has been called “short sighted” and “damaging” by rival political figures.

Labour Councillor Nigel Bell believes Home-Start should have been given the opportunity to tender for a new contract to show it could provide value for money and now fears for its future.

Lib Dem Councillor Mark Watkin said the council had given no explanation how the service provided by the charity would be provided in a new set-up, adding the decision would cause “fundamental damage to a vulnerable part of the community”.

His colleague Councillor Sara Bedford, a Home-Start volunteer, added: “These proposed cuts are hugely short-sighted.

“These cuts will lead to more families struggling, and greater pressure on social workers, teachers and other agencies”.

Are you a Homestart user who will be affected by these cuts? Email aslater@london.newsquest.co.uk.