McLaughlin proposes tens of millions of pounds investment in childcare

A Derry MLA has called for emergency intervention to ‘save childcare places’ and ease pressure on working families.
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SDLP Economy and Jobs spokesperson Sinéad McLaughlin MLA has said that action is needed to prevent the loss of childcare places which would have a significant impact on working families.

The Foyle MLA was speaking as the party published a five-point plan to save childcare places.

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She said: “Childcare costs far too much for parents and the cost-of-living crisis has made the pressure on working families unbearable. As many businesses providing this vital service struggle to stay open, parents are faced with eye-watering costs.

Foyle MLA Sinéad McLaughlinFoyle MLA Sinéad McLaughlin
Foyle MLA Sinéad McLaughlin

"I regularly hear from families whose childcare costs are even higher than their monthly mortgage payments, forcing some parents and most often women, out of work entirely.

“It can’t go on like this. We need an ambitious Childcare Strategy and early years infrastructure that meets the needs of working parents. The more time we waste on inaction, the further we fall behind other jurisdictions that are prioritising this investment in children, working parents and our economy.”

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Ms. McLaughlin said her party believes tens of millions of pounds in investment in childcare is necessary.

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“While other parties expect parents to foot the bill, the SDLP is proposing investment of £20.4m into early years infrastructure, freezing costs for parents and keeping the businesses that provide these services sustainable in the short-term.

"We’d also expand access to financial support, make more parents aware of the financial support available and bring government Departments together to tackle this challenge,” she said.

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