Menu
18/06/2024
Alliance MPs To Push For Improvements To Tax-Free Childcare Scheme
The Alliance Party has made a commitment that their MP's will push for improvements to the UK Government's tax-free childcare scheme.
South Belfast and Mid Down General Election candidate, Kate Nicholl, said the recently announced interim support for childcare must be implemented at pace and there is much more required to support local parents and carers.
"There is no doubt families and households in Northern Ireland are currently suffering from a super-disparity in childcare support relative to those in other regions of the UK,” she said.
"Not only is this unfair, but given childcare is key economic infrastructure, it is detrimental for everyone, whether they avail of childcare services or not. Therefore, we need to prioritise investment in childcare provision.
"The recent proposals on childcare brought by the Education Minister are a positive first step and a clear indication of Alliance leading change on this matter, given it is a significant shift in DUP policy. But more needs to be done to support parents and the sector. This is a policy win, but I will not be satisfied until parents start to see real savings and providers are supported.
"Alliance's childcare paper, Children First, outlines our proposals in detail - what we need to see is a bespoke affordable childcare scheme for Northern Ireland which will deliver better outcomes for children, reduced costs for parents and enhance the sustainability of childcare provision.
"While delivery of that scheme will sit with the Assembly, Westminster also has a role to play. That's why Alliance MPs will lead change by pushing for improvements to the UK Government's tax-free childcare scheme, such as an clearer information on the scheme, increasing or removing the cap, and increasing the relief from 20 per cent to 35 per cent."
South Belfast and Mid Down General Election candidate, Kate Nicholl, said the recently announced interim support for childcare must be implemented at pace and there is much more required to support local parents and carers.
"There is no doubt families and households in Northern Ireland are currently suffering from a super-disparity in childcare support relative to those in other regions of the UK,” she said.
"Not only is this unfair, but given childcare is key economic infrastructure, it is detrimental for everyone, whether they avail of childcare services or not. Therefore, we need to prioritise investment in childcare provision.
"The recent proposals on childcare brought by the Education Minister are a positive first step and a clear indication of Alliance leading change on this matter, given it is a significant shift in DUP policy. But more needs to be done to support parents and the sector. This is a policy win, but I will not be satisfied until parents start to see real savings and providers are supported.
"Alliance's childcare paper, Children First, outlines our proposals in detail - what we need to see is a bespoke affordable childcare scheme for Northern Ireland which will deliver better outcomes for children, reduced costs for parents and enhance the sustainability of childcare provision.
"While delivery of that scheme will sit with the Assembly, Westminster also has a role to play. That's why Alliance MPs will lead change by pushing for improvements to the UK Government's tax-free childcare scheme, such as an clearer information on the scheme, increasing or removing the cap, and increasing the relief from 20 per cent to 35 per cent."
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
24 November 2021
NI Faces Childcare Crisis That Could Impact Parent's Ability To Work
Northern Ireland could be facing a childcare crisis which would have a severe impact on parents' ability to work, the Employers for Childcare (EfC) charity has warned.
NI Faces Childcare Crisis That Could Impact Parent's Ability To Work
Northern Ireland could be facing a childcare crisis which would have a severe impact on parents' ability to work, the Employers for Childcare (EfC) charity has warned.
19 May 2008
Minding Kids Is No Childsplay
Many families seeking childcare in Northern Ireland are finding the search difficult, according to a major new survey on childcare commissioned by NICMA - the Childminding Association.
Minding Kids Is No Childsplay
Many families seeking childcare in Northern Ireland are finding the search difficult, according to a major new survey on childcare commissioned by NICMA - the Childminding Association.
05 December 2023
Full-Time Childcare Now More Than £10,000 A Year In NI
The average cost of a full-time childcare place in Northern Ireland is now more than £10,000 a year, an increase of 14% since 2021, according to a new report from Employers For Childcare (EFC).
Full-Time Childcare Now More Than £10,000 A Year In NI
The average cost of a full-time childcare place in Northern Ireland is now more than £10,000 a year, an increase of 14% since 2021, according to a new report from Employers For Childcare (EFC).
12 August 2024
Alliance Welcomes Opening Of NI Childcare Subsidy Scheme
The Alliance Party has welcomed the opening of the Northern Ireland Childcare Subsidy Scheme (NICSS) to eligible parents and guardians.
Alliance Welcomes Opening Of NI Childcare Subsidy Scheme
The Alliance Party has welcomed the opening of the Northern Ireland Childcare Subsidy Scheme (NICSS) to eligible parents and guardians.
19 June 2019
Families Under Strain This Summer As Childcare Costs Rise
Many parents are set for an "extremely difficult" summer due to increasing childcare costs, a report has found. The average cost of a full-time childcare place in Northern Ireland is £166 per week, equating to over one third of median household incomes, the charity Employers for Childcare has found.
Families Under Strain This Summer As Childcare Costs Rise
Many parents are set for an "extremely difficult" summer due to increasing childcare costs, a report has found. The average cost of a full-time childcare place in Northern Ireland is £166 per week, equating to over one third of median household incomes, the charity Employers for Childcare has found.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
