July 5th 2024.
As a parent, one of the most important things I need to consider when casting my vote in the upcoming General Election is the rising cost of childcare. It's a pressing issue for many families, and recent polls have shown that it's a top priority for swing voters with children. In fact, they are more than twice as likely to prioritize childcare policies compared to the average voter. It's a concern that affects not only our family's financial stability, but also our ability to work or pursue education opportunities.
As the Labour party prepares to form a new government, I've been curious about their stance on childcare. What do they have in store for us? Well, let's take a look at their manifesto policies on this matter. First and foremost, they have promised to continue the Conservative's childcare expansion plan, which was introduced in the 2023 Budget by Jeremy Hunt. This plan aims to provide 30 hours of free childcare for eligible households where all adults work at least 16 hours a week. And this entitlement would start as soon as maternity or paternity leave ends, providing much-needed relief for families with children over the age of nine months. It's estimated that this could save families with a two-year-old using 35 hours of childcare each week an average of £6,500 a year.
To make this promise a reality, Labour plans to open an additional 3,000 nurseries by utilizing spare classroom space in existing primary schools. This would create 100,000 new childcare places, with a focus on areas where parents struggle the most to access childcare. It's a smart move that would not only address the demand for more childcare options, but also target the issue of childcare "deserts" in certain areas.
Of course, all these new nurseries would require funding, and Labour has a plan for that too. They intend to scrap private schools' tax exempt status and business rates relief, and introduce a 20% VAT on private school fees. This would help cover the estimated cost of £40,000 per classroom for the new nurseries. It's a bold move, but one that could greatly benefit families who are currently struggling to afford childcare.
But that's not all. Labour has also pledged to introduce free breakfast clubs in all primary schools. This would not only help parents who struggle with childcare in the mornings, but also address child poverty in the UK. It's a sobering fact that over a million children experienced destitution last year, and this could be a small step towards alleviating that issue. For parents who currently pay for a childminder before school, using the free breakfast clubs could save them £50 a week and £2,000 across the school year. And for those who already pay for a breakfast club, this change could save them £400 over the full school year.
Lastly, Labour has promised to review the parental leave system in their first year in office, with the aim of better supporting working families. They also plan to make parental leave a day-one right, which would provide much-needed flexibility for working parents. It's reassuring to know that this important matter is on their agenda, and I hope they follow through with their promises.
Do you have a personal experience or story related to childcare? I'd love to hear it. Please feel free to get in touch by emailing [email address]. Let's continue to have important conversations about the issues that matter to us as parents and voters in this upcoming General Election.
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