Many centres are part of one or more networks. However they vary greatly in scope and quality. Their funders are overwhelmingly local authorities but they rarely link their services with the local authority. With the introduction of single-tier local authorities there has been a number of reviews of the location and effectiveness of the existing services. Again, many remain under-funded, poorly managed and provide services on terms set by the centres not the clients.
Premises are frequently of poor quality and often very off-putting on the outside.
There is rivalry between many agencies in the voluntary and statuary sector. Many of the staff were volunteers with a considerable commitment to the tasks in hand. Many gained employment through the voluntary work. Measures were financial gains and income maximisation. Sustainability comes through funding certainty and clarity of purpose along with other services.