Labour vows to support UK government’s childcare expansion plan if it wins next election
LONDON — In a bold move, Labour has declared its support for the UK government’s childcare expansion plan, promising not to backtrack on any entitlements if it secures victory in the next general election.
Expansion Phases
The government’s expansion of free childcare in England, announced in last year’s budget, is set to be implemented in three phases, with the final phase scheduled for September 2025.
Previous Entitlements
Previously, 30 hours of free childcare was available for working parents with three and four-year-old children. However, this entitlement was limited to 15 hours a week if at least one parent earned over £100,000.
Current and Future Changes
Starting from April 1, working parents with two-year-olds are now eligible for 15 hours of free childcare, with plans to extend this to nine-month-olds from September this year. By September 2025, eligible parents will enjoy an increase to 30 hours of free childcare per week.
Labour’s Stance
Despite previous criticism, Labour has reassured the public that it will uphold the expansion plans, emphasizing the importance of a reliable childcare system. Labour’s shadow education minister Bridget Phillipson dismissed claims by the government that a Labour victory could jeopardize the scheme, stating that Labour is committed to supporting families now and in the future.
Government’s Response
The government, however, remains confident in the readiness of the childcare sector to meet the increased demand. Officials anticipate a gradual uptake of the expanded offer, with the number of parents utilizing the service expected to grow significantly in the coming weeks.
It’s a battle of promises and commitments as the UK childcare sector braces itself for a significant transformation ahead. Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story. — BBC
