Responding to news that free childcare for working parents in England is expected to be expanded to cover 9-month to 4 year olds, the Welsh Liberal Democrats have stated Labour and Plaid Cymru’s plans in Wales are not ambitious enough and fall short of what is needed.

The hourly rate paid to childcare providers by the government is also expected to be increased

As part of the Co-operation Deal between Plaid Cymru and Labour in Wales childcare covers 2–4 year-olds.

Commenting Welsh Liberal Democrat Leader Jane Dodds said:

“Labour and Plaid Cymru’s childcare plans are simply not ambitious enough to move the dial for families in Wales.

“Childcare costs are one of the most pressing issues facing families up and down Wales right now and it is holding our economy back by keeping parents out of the workforce because for many families it is more cost-effective for a parent to stay at home than return to work.  

“The Welsh Liberal Democrats have called for and will continue to call for free part-time childcare in Wales from 9 months for all parents regardless of work status.”

ENDS