Llanelli Plaid candidate calls for increase in free childcare entitlement

Dr Myfanwy Davies, Plaid’s Llanelli Westminster candidate has this week called on the UK government to increase the free childcare entitlement to include all two year olds. Myfanwy’s call was made in support of demands by the ‘Daycare Trust’ for an increase in free childcare entitlement to two year olds.

Myfanwy’s comments came as the ‘Daycare Trust’ published the findings of the eighth annual childcare costs survey. The survey found that the yearly cost of a typical nursery place for a child under two in Wales is £7,592.

Myfanwy, who has a background in health and social care, highlighted the work that is being done by the One Wales government to improve access to affordable childcare.

Llanelli Plaid candidate Dr. Myfanwy Davies said:
“We need high quality childcare to develop our children and to give parents peace of mind. Providing childcare is a growing part of the economy but the survey published by the Daycare Trust has shown that paying for childcare places is a huge financial burden on many families. The One Wales government recognises this problem and has invested in making childcare more affordable.

Recent proposed changes to benefits to lone parents, mean the UK government will in fact be limiting parents’ access to childcare. That is a step in the wrong direction especially now when we need investment in childcare to beat the recession and when parents more than ever need to be able to maintain their jobs and use their training. It is crucial the UK government follows Wales’ lead and updates its childcare strategy to support universal, affordable provision.

In areas across Wales the lack of affordable childcare can be a huge barrier to people, especially women, who want to return to work. Only last week I was talking to a mother in Llanelli who was struggling to pay for childcare, and was concerned that she may be forced to give up her job. The One Wales government in the Assembly is working to reduce this pressure but unfortunately it does not have all the tools it needs to fully address the issue. Therefore I fully support the Daycare Trust’s call for the UK government to increase the free childcare entitlement to include all two year olds.”

Adding to Myfanwy’s comments, Helen Funnell, said that the cost of childcare has a serious impact on the employment prospects of people across Wales :
“As a mother, I’m only too aware that bringing up children is very expensive these days. The high cost of childcare can be very prohibitive. I am very pleased that the One Wales Government is doing what it can to extend affordable childcare in Wales so more parents can go to work to help pay household bills.”