Catherine told Parliament that the Government’s childcare proposals “will embed inequality further” and demonstrate that “levelling up is no more than a billboard announcement – if you scratch the surface there is very little underneath.”   

The Government in their Budget outlined reforms for the childcare sector however Catherine warned that the measures “will not promote growth” and that “whilst the Government does seem to have finally listened, it’s far from job done.”

During her speech, she outlined that the childcare still burdens parents with costs, as “the provision as offered only covers term time – 38 weeks of the year – for the rest of the year parents need to find the money.” She warned that the shortfall of £5.2 billion in the Government’s plan risks damaging the childcare sector, as “without proper funding, childcare providers will have to drive up prices” which will leave “parents picking up the tab.”

Speaking on the lack of access to the provision for some of the poorest families, Catherine said: “the policy risks embedding inequalities and widening the attainment gap. 80% of families earning less than £20,000 a year will not benefit from these entitlements.”

The Newcastle North MP highlighted the affect this will have on the North East stating “the North East has the highest rate of child poverty in the country. One in five children live in workless households; 38% of children live in households where someone has a disability where it might mean that someone is unable to earn. Yet those children will be barred from the entitlement.”

Speaking after the debate, Catherine said: 

“The Government has heard parents but has not listened to them. He has promised growth and he has promised to get more parents working. But the lack of proper funding, the barriers to access, and the enormous shortfall of childcare professionals – which the Government has no proper plan to fix – will leave those promises hollow. 

“It’s true the Chancellor has recognised that there is a problem. But we are dealing with a crisis, and the reform must reflect that fact. To fix the crisis, boost growth, and provide a childcare package that works for children, parents, and providers, we need a Labour Government.”