Motion: Childcare Costs Spiralling in Scotland

Childcare Costs Spiralling in Scotland

Lodged by Cara Hilton Members' Business Motion 19 supporters

The motion

That the Parliament notes the annual childcare costs survey published by the Family and Childcare Trust; understands that the report provides the most comprehensive analysis of childcare costs and availability in Britain; is concerned at the finding that, while average childcare prices have risen only in line with inflation in the rest of the UK, with the cost of a part-time nursery place for a child under two up by 1.1%, in Scotland the price rose by 4.1%, with the average price of a part-time nursery place for a child under two and an after-school club for a five year old now costing £7,933 a year; is further concerned that, in Scotland, only 13% of local authority areas report having enough childcare for working parents and only 9% can provide childcare needed for disabled children and that the cost of childcare is rising at a significantly faster rate than anywhere else in the UK; welcomes the expansion of preschool early education and childcare in Dunfermline and across Scotland but recognises too what it considers the lack of progress in ensuring that childcare is available that fits in with the lives of working parents and for children of all ages, and notes the calls of the Family and Childcare Trust for the Scottish Government to improve access and affordability for parents to ensure that parents and carers across Scotland have access to flexible, quality and affordable childcare for children of all ages.

Supporters (19)