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06/09/2017
SDLP Hits Out At Tories Over Free Childcare
The SDLP has hit out at the Conservatives for providing more childcare support within working families in England compared to Northern Ireland.
The basic allowance from 12.5 hours to 20 hours has come into effect in England, however it has not been put in place in Northern Ireland.
South Belfast MLA Claire Hanna said it is a "sad state of affairs".
She said: "The latest information available shows that 63% of families here struggle to afford childcare bills. Providing free childcare not only gives children the best educational start in life, it affords parents, and most often mothers, the opportunity to return to the workforce, augmenting our economy. It is a family and society enhancing proposal.
"This should be a flagship policy of power sharing institutions. Instead, political paralysis is leaving families and children behind."
(CD)
The basic allowance from 12.5 hours to 20 hours has come into effect in England, however it has not been put in place in Northern Ireland.
South Belfast MLA Claire Hanna said it is a "sad state of affairs".
She said: "The latest information available shows that 63% of families here struggle to afford childcare bills. Providing free childcare not only gives children the best educational start in life, it affords parents, and most often mothers, the opportunity to return to the workforce, augmenting our economy. It is a family and society enhancing proposal.
"This should be a flagship policy of power sharing institutions. Instead, political paralysis is leaving families and children behind."
(CD)
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