Councils 'failing in childcare duties'
Sunday 03 March 2013
Printable
EmailMost local authorities in England and Wales are failing to provide enough childcare for working parents, a charity warned today.
Just one in five councils have enough childcare for parents with children under two and one in three for school age children, the Daycare Trust and Family and Parenting Institute said.
The trust also pointed out that just one in seven have enough provision for disabled children - a figure which has not improved in five years.
Chief executive Anand Shukla said: "Local authorities have a legal duty to ensure a sufficient supply of childcare in their areas, but no doubt their failure to do so is linked to the tight financial squeeze they find themselves in with ever more austere funding settlements.
"Only the government can address this situation by investing more in providing support for parents."
If you appreciated this article then please consider donating to the Morning Star's Fighting Fund to ensure we can keep developing your paper.
Editorial
Iraq ruling is no vindication
Defence Secretary Philip Hammond believes himself vindicated by the High Court ruling that his Iraq Historic Allegations Team (IHAT) is independent.
Features
Turmoil set to continue
A look at the causes and possible outcomes of Silvio Berlusconi and his right-wing coalition's lead in the polls.
Our government has put us at risk
Attacks such as yesterday's horrific murder in Woolwich didn't happen before the 'war on terror.' It's time we recognised the consequences of the conflicts we've unleashed