Lib-Dems pledge free childcare

OLDHAM’S Lib-Dem Prospective Parliamentary candidate has welcomed proposals for free childcare for every family.

Elwyn Watkins, who will fight Oldham East and Saddleworth, claims children and parents in the Oldham area will benefit from new proposals for free childcare for every family.

The proposals, launched by party leader Nick Clegg, are set to be debated at the Lib-Dem conference in March.

They offer parents:

Nineteen months of paid parental leave shared by two parents, replacing current maternity and paternity leave arrangements

Free and flexible childcare for 20 hours a week for children aged 18 months to five years.

A commitment to improve the quality of childcare provision by expanding the role of children’s centres as training institutions for local providers.

Mr Watkins said: “As we enter the recession, more parents are going to find themselves having to look for work or wanting a part-time job to bring in some extra money.

“The need for flexible and affordable childcare has therefore never been more urgent.

“These proposals offer real help to families in the Oldham area.”

Mr Clegg said childcare provision in England was among the worst in Europe.

He said: “The Liberal Democrats want to make things easier for parents and give children the best start in life by providing free, good quality childcare for every family.

“With family budgets getting tighter, more parents are looking at going back to work or training to bring in some extra money.

“The need for flexible and affordable childcare has, therefore never been more urgent.”