Chloe Smith calls for better and more affordable childcare today in Parliament debate

Chloe Smith, MP for Norwich North, has called a debate in Parliament to highlight Norwich parents’ need for Quality and Affordability in Childcare.  In particular, she calls on eligible Norwich parents to take up the free childcare places being paid for;  fewer than half of the lowest-income families in the county have taken up the places according to figures given to Chloe last week.

She will hold the half hour debate in Westminster Hall at 11.00.

This continues Chloe’s local campaign to support parents who need good and affordable childcare.  She has visited many providers and repeatedly raised the issue in Parliamentary Questions, most recently last week to the Ministers for Education.

Chloe says (check against delivery):

“A changing economy means that parents need affordable, available childcare more than ever.  Childcare is therefore a really important issue for many working families around Norwich.  I’ve been talking to lots of mums, dads, nurseries and pre-schools in Norwich and want to raise some points today from them about quality and affordability of childcare.

“I am delighted that the Chancellor has put public money towards the tax free childcare scheme outlined at the Budget, which stands to ease costs for families even more.

“I also welcome the targeted provision of taxpayer-funded childcare for families on the lowest incomes, having begun with all 3 and 4 year olds receiving 15 hours a week of free childcare, and going on to target this offer to the 240,000 poorest two year olds.

“But – the provision to spend taxpayers’ money in this way is nothing if people don’t know about it.  So I’m calling today on Norwich parents to take up what they are entitled to by law.  The Minister confirmed to me that 1,537 two year olds in our shared county of Norfolk are now enrolled in the programme.

“I am pleased to see more families on lower incomes making the most of the help available once their child turns 2, but this number in fact represents fewer than half of eligible children in the county according to the figures published when she first made the announcement.

“If you are not sure if you are eligible and would like to take it up, check the County Council website.”