FOLLOWING findings of the 10th Annual Childcare Survey, SDLP Mark H Durkan, MLA has said rising childcare costs must be addressed urgently in order to prevent families here falling into a debt spiral.
He has suggested a 30-hours free universal provision to ease the burden of childcare costs, which in turn would transform our economy, create new jobs and provide parents with the opportunity to return to work.
This week marks three years since the Assembly unanimously backed a motion calling for a radical approach to childcare provision.
Said the Foyle MLA: “Three years ago, we tabled bold proposals to increase the allocation of free childcare to 20 hours with a further plan for an increase to 30 hours.
“We argued, successfully, that childcare costs were a significant burden on working households- depriving working parents, and most often working women, of the opportunity of returning to their jobs. In the intervening period, the situation has become worse for those families.
“This year’s Northern Ireland Childcare Costs Survey shows that childcare remains the highest monthly bill for working families after mortgage or rent payments.
“Worryingly, the survey also revealed that 41% of parents had to use savings, loans or credit cards to pay for the cost of childcare. Parents should not be forced into debt to care for their children.
“In 2019, people shouldn’t have to choose between a fulfilling career and caring for their child. Enhancing provision by bringing it to the level currently provided in England would allow parents to do both.
“Our proposals would not only enhance the lives of families here but they would have a positive impact on our regional economy by allowing one parent to re-enter the workforce and creating a new job in the childcare sector.
“Fundamentally, this is an issue of workers’ rights and creating a fairer society.
“We will continue to make the case for this transformative proposal.”
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