Derry Daily
  • News
  • Entertainment
  • Sport
  • Features
  • Courts
  • Business
  • Health
  • Politics
  • Jobs
Monday 16°CTuesday 13°C

Derry Daily Derry Daily Derry Daily

  • News
  • Entertainment
  • Sport
  • Features
  • Courts
  • Business
  • Health
  • Politics
  • Jobs
Derry CityEducationHealthNewsPolitics

McLaughlin: Proposed childcare changes don’t go far enough

written by cassoscoop March 15, 2023
ShareTweet

SDLP Jobs & Economy Spokesperson Sinéad McLaughlin has said that the changes proposed by the UK Chancellor on childcare only scratch the surface of the reform needed.

It follows reports that Jeremy Hunt will announce measures to help parents with the costs of childcare as part of today’s Budget, including providing childcare funding up front for parents who are eligible for support through Universal Credit.

Said the Foyle MLA: “Parents across these islands are really struggling with the high costs of childcare and many of the businesses that provide these vital services are at the point of collapse.

“In this context, of course I would welcome any measures to start to address this crisis.

“However, the changes that are due to be announced by the British Chancellor on Wednesday really only scratch the surface of the kind of reform necessary to deliver an early years system that is fit for purpose.

“While the changes announced for parents on Universal Credit are welcome, it’s important to remember that it is not only parents who are in receipt of benefits that are really struggling with their childcare costs and that we need to see a wider package of reforms that benefits all parents.

“Any of the changes proposed in the British Government’s measures will not apply here, yet another reason why the Executive needs to get back up and running and tackle this issue head on through agreeing a Childcare Strategy.

“I have previously written to the British government on these issues, including to advocate for emergency sustainability funding for providers.

“The responses that I have received have been totally inadequate and I have been bitterly disappointed by the lack of prioritisation that childcare is given by government across the board, whether in Westminster or in Stormont.

“In fact, when the previous Minister of Education wrote to the previous Chancellor on childcare costs, she did not even receive a reply.

“These measures fall far short of the kind of change required for parents and providers in Northern Ireland.

“I will be writing to the Permanent Secretary at the Department of Finance to establish what, if any, conversations have taken place with the Treasury about the potential impact of any uplift for spending here in Northern Ireland.”

McLaughlin: Proposed childcare changes don’t go far enough was last modified: March 15th, 2023 by cassoscoop

Tags:
DEPARTMENT OF FINANCEFOYLE MLAJobs & Economy SpokespersonMarch BudgetMcLaughlin: Proposed childcare changes don't go far enoughPERMANENT SECRETARYSDLPSINEAD MCLAUGHLINUK Chancellor Jeremy HuntUNIVERSAL CREDIT
ShareTweet
cassoscoop

LEAVE A COMMENT

You may also like

Storm Agnes: Strong wind and heavy rain...

2 hours ago

Inquest hears of efforts to save teenagers...

2 hours ago

Cars and properties attacked in Derry

2 hours ago

Five cars stolen from shed in burglary

3 hours ago

Tourism group joins Deputy Mayor for Alley...

3 hours ago

Police probe arson attack on car in...

5 hours ago

Man arrested over hit-and-run death of schoolboy...

11 hours ago

Sadness as boy (9) dies in Donegal...

1 day ago

Derry’s Foyleside Shopping Centre sold for £27m

3 days ago

‘Derry people have nothing to cheer about...

3 days ago

Keep in touch

Facebook Twitter Email

Features

  • DD Travel Feature: Cork’s amazing The Montenotte Hotel

    April 18, 2023
  • Derry cancer survivor Noeleen McMorris reveals importance of awareness

    July 25, 2022
  • Competition! Win tickets to Northern Ireland v England Women’s Euro 2022 match

    June 17, 2022
  • Glenapp Castle: Only a few miles from home but a million miles away

    December 20, 2021
  • DD Travel Feature: The Unsung Shores of Portugal

    November 12, 2021

Courts

  • Inquest hears of efforts to save teenagers at Lough Enagh

    September 25, 2023
  • Sex monster Derry dad dies in prison

    September 21, 2023
  • Man charged to Derry court over £50k cocaine seizure

    September 21, 2023
  • Derry man jailed for 16 years for rape and indecent assault

    September 14, 2023
  • Man remanded over explosives and weapons find in Derry

    September 14, 2023

Donegal Daily

    Read More

    • News
    • Sport
    • Courts
    • Jobs
    • Features
    • Business
    • Politics

    Information

    • Contact Us
    • About
    • Advertise WIth Us
    • Privacy Policy
    • Disclaimer
    • Terms & Conditions
    Derry Daily

    © 2023 Derry Daily. All rights reserved.


    Back To Top