Catherine McKinnellCatherine McKinnell, MP for Newcastle North and Shadow Treasury Minister, has today challenged the Prime Minister on the lack of measures to support families with rising childcare costs following last week’s Budget – and has hit out at the response she received.

Speaking during Prime Minister’s Questions in the Commons this afternoon (26th March), Catherine asked David Cameron:

‘Seventy per cent of stay-at-home mums say going back to work just would not add up because rising childcare costs would leave them worse off.  With maternal employment rates going down on the Prime Minister’s watch, why is he doing nothing before the general election to help with rising childcare costs?’

In reply, the Prime Minister said:

‘We are helping families with childcare, not least by giving 15 hours…That is happening before the election; it has happened under this Government in this Parliament – 15 hours of free nursery care for three-year-olds and four-year-olds…Opposition Members say it is not enough; it is more than Labour ever provided…’

Commenting afterwards, Catherine said:

‘The Prime Minister’s response on this issue, which is so important for countless families across Newcastle, was not only totally complacent but highly misleading.

‘Families across the North East are struggling with the cost of living, and the cost of childcare can often be the key thing preventing parents, who want to, to go to work.

‘The previous Labour Government introduced 12.5 hours of free nursery education for 3 and 4 year olds a decade ago, back in 2004, with the clear intention that this would be extended to 15 hours per week by 2010. This plan was then implemented by the Coalition. What’s more, Labour would extend this provision to 25 hours per week for working parents, funded by an increase in the bank levy.

‘Last week’s Budget was the perfect opportunity for the Government to act on this issue, and provide support to parents now – not make promises for after the election.  The Prime Minister’s answer today just reflects how out of touch he is on this issue.’

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