The government’s expansion of 30 hours a week of free childcare comes into effect this week – and up to 3,000 children across Cumberland are set to benefit.
The extension to all qualifying children between 9 months and 2 years old fulfils a Labour manifesto commitment to cut the cost of childcare, helping more parents into work, and reducing the cost of living for young families. The move is expected to save working parents up to £7,500 a year.
At the same time Labour has put in place protections for parents to further bear down on the cost of childcare by preventing ‘top up fees’ and overcharging for nappies, lunch and other ‘consumables’.
Josh MacAlister MP said:
“Labour promised to take action to bring down the cost of childcare and that’s exactly what we are doing. From this week thousands more children in our area will gain support worth up to £7,500 a year – that makes a real difference.
“We know change will take time, but through extended free childcare, the expansion of free breakfast clubs and free school meals, protections for parents on hidden costs at nurseries and the price of sending children to school, Labour is taking real action to help working parents with the cost of living, and help and our children get the best start in life.
“I want to hear how the rollout of free childcare is working in practice in our area so please get in touch with me if you are experiencing any difficulties that I can help with.”
Josh MacAlister MP 