Childcare: Conservatives have turned their backs on families

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Responding to reports that the Treasury is considering expanding its free childcare offer, Liberal Democrat Education Spokesperson Munira Wilson said:

“Parents should never be forced out of work by a lack of affordable childcare. If the Treasury wants to help more parents back to work, it should simply implement the Liberal Democrat plan for childcare that is flexible, affordable and fair.

“Crucially, that must include raising the rates paid to providers match the actual costs they face – otherwise too many parents still won't be able to find anyone to look after their children.

“The fact is the Conservatives have turned their backs on families. They have woefully underfunded the existing free hours, forcing thousands of providers to close, and are now imposing more disastrous, short-sighted cuts on early years education.”

ENDS

Notes to Editor:

Reported in The Guardian here.