The cost and availability of childcare is one of the most important things affecting working parents these days. This week, Liberal Democrats in London and Wales have launched plans to improve affordability and choices.

In London, Caroline Pidgeon has said it’s time to “end the brain drain of talented young women from London’s workforce.” Her plan includes:

• The GLA and other organisations in the wider GLA Group (TfL, Metropolitan Police Service and London Fire Service) should offer interest free loans for employees to meet the initial costs of childcare registration at a nursery which can cost up to £1500. The adoption of this policy should become an example of good practice amongst businesses across London.
• When GLA land is released for schools it should be standard practice that nursery provision is also provided
• London Boroughs should be encouraged to extend business rate relief to childcare providers
• The Mayor of London should establish a Childcare Fund with support targeted at improving wraparound and childcare options covering the longer hours many London employees have to work. One potential way of financing the fund would be through a hotel levy.
• More childminders should be trained to help support families with wraparound flexible childcare.

Caroline said:

It is crystal clear that London has fewer working mothers largely due to the lack of suitable or affordable childcare.”

This is a serious issue for hundreds of thousands of London families, but it also has a huge knock on effect for London’s economy. When so many London businesses are crying out for skilled employees it simply makes no sense to have so many talented women feeling unable to re-enter the workforce simply because they can’t find the childcare they need. It is time to end the brain drain of talented women who are ultimately excluded from London’s workforce.”

A more family friendly London would be good for families and good for London businesses.

Welsh Lib Dems “only party offering free childcare from 9 months”

This week the Welsh Lib Dems launched their plans to help with childcare. Costs there are the second highest in Europe after Switzerland.

Their plans include:

Working families 9 months – 2 years

The Welsh Liberal Democrats will offer 10 hours a week of free childcare to all working parents from the end of paid parental leave (nine months) until the age of two, 38 weeks a year.  In the longer term we would look to extend this to 15 years of funded provision.

All 2-3 year olds

The Welsh Liberal Democrats will offer 10 hours of free childcare for all two year olds, 38 weeks a year.  This will be for all children, rather than just those living in Flying Start areas.    In the longer term we would look to extend this to 15 years of funded provision.

All 3-4 year olds

The Welsh Liberal Democrats will increase the statutory duty on local authorities to provide a funded early education place to fifteen hours a week, 38 weeks a year, from the term following a child’s third birthday.  In the longer term this would be extended to 48 weeks a year.

North Wales AM Aled Roberts said:

Free universal childcare is a vital part of our plan for an Opportunity Economy.  We believe in encouraging aspiration and providing opportunity for everyone, regardless of their background.

There is a black hole in government support for families from the end of parental leave to when their child gets a subsidised place.  Our offer is unique: we are the only party offering free childcare to help parents when their parental leave ends.

Labour’s system is inflexible and rarely suits the needs of working parents.  We will provide childcare that works for working parents.

Opportunity shouldn’t be a postcode lottery.  We will provide a consistent approach for everyone by offering universal childcare to all families and ensure the hours available are more flexible than currently on offer.

Going into this election, the Welsh Lib Dems will deliver a Wales that works for you.  Our priorities are the priorities of the people of Wales: more nurses so they have the time to care for our loved ones, smaller class sizes so teachers have the time to properly teach our children, and an Opportunity Economy that helps businesses and supports people so they can own their get on in life.