“Work can
be an effective route out of poverty, but the lack of affordable
childcare places remains a huge barrier to employment for too
many parents, particularly lone parents. CPAG therefore supports
the Government’s commitment to providing affordable childcare
for all as it goes hand in hand with its pledge to eradicate child
poverty.
“As part of
a policy programme that has included free part-time nursery places
for 3 and 4 year olds, Sure Start and other measures to help families
with children, CPAG welcomes the Childcare Bill published today.
It will place a legal duty on local authorities to ensure there
is sufficient childcare in their area to meet the needs of working
parents and families with disabled children.
“Cost remains
a critical factor. At the same time as increasing the number of
childcare places, we ask the Government to do more to encourage
take-up of the childcare element of Working Tax Credit. CPAG are
also concerned that many of the poorest children remain excluded
because their parents work fewer than 16 hours a week and so do
not qualify for this support.
“In supporting
the Childcare Bill, CPAG hopes that Ministers will provide local
authorities, particularly those in the poorest areas, with adequate
resources to ensure that there are sufficient and sustainable
childcare places available.“
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