“Access to childcare is vital for all families, especially for those on the lowest incomes, the most disadvantaged children, women and single-parent families."
Responding to a Department for Work and Pensions announcement of an expansion to childcare provision, Cllr Louise Gittins, Chair of the LGA’s Children and Young People Board, said:
“Access to childcare is vital for all families, especially for those on the lowest incomes, the most disadvantaged children, women and single-parent families.
“We are pleased that the Government has moved to increase Universal Credit’s maximum childcare payment, which is something the LGA has long called for, and are also glad action is being taken around recruitment and retention, with councils concerned about provider closures, but this action is needed now.
“However, these proposed changes will have to be managed carefully to ensure that a focus on high quality education, alongside the focus on childcare, remains. We await further information regarding the rollout of the expanded childcare offer and funding attached to it.”