Tories childcare plans fall short

By Eóin Dawson

THE MARCH 2023 budget was much of the same from the Tories - working class people paying while the bosses and billionaires are enriched. However, many saw a glimmer of hope in the form of extended free childcare. The reality is that these measures fall far short of what is required. Means testing immediately demolishes the idea that this is somehow "free childcare for all".

Furthermore, the policy lowers standards by reducing legally required adult:child ratios. The plan to offer wraparound school care, through after school clubs etc. is unfunded. The treasury stated that: “we expect that most schools will be able to deliver before and after school provision selfsufficiently”. They provided the example of provision being “funded by parents”. Openly admitting that the plan is to push costs onto parents! Finally these provisions are term time only - 38 weeks/year.

The Tories have not delivered this meagre package out of kindness. Studies suggest that the huge expense of childcare prevents about 1.7 million women from taking on more hours, equating to more than £28bn in lost economic output each year. Labour shortages are hitting the bottom lines of many companies. The Tories proposals are due to desperation on the part of the bosses, not out of any sense of kindness or compassion towards working-class families. But of course, these provisions don't extend to Northern Ireland. As limited as the reforms are, no parents here will receive such support. Whether fulfilled by childcare professionals or parents, the goal is to raise children to be healthy adults. The cost of living crisis means more and more families struggle to meet their children's basic needs. Childcare providers are also finding it increasingly difficult to deliver adequate lev- els of care. Private childcare enterprises prioritise profits over the quality of service. Usually charging exorbitant prices while under paying and overworking staff. The sector is in crisis as they struggle to meet staffing levels and many childcare facilities are on the brink of closure.

The childcare system that allows parents to find a work-life balance is radically different from what the Tories offer. Working-class people, women in particular, need a publically ran system free at the point of use, paid for by those who can afford itthe millionaires, billionaires and bosses, Those families for whom such arrangements don't suit, should be supported financially to allow a life of decency and opportunity.