SNP Double Childcare Fees in Glasgow

That the Parliament strongly condemns the reported decision by the SNP minority administration in Glasgow City Council to double the cost of childcare for hardworking families across the city; understands that the fee increase for early years care, which comes into effect in August 2018, will generate £1,253,000 in income for the council; appreciates the reported concerns from affected parents that this decision will mean them having to pay up to an extra £200 per month, which it considers could have a devastating impact on family budgets; further considers that the alternative budget put forward by the Glasgow Labour Group not only protected education spending but proposed an additional £6 million investment; agrees with the First Minister when she told the Parliament on 6 September 2016 that childcare costs can be "prohibitive" (Official Report, c. 16); considers that fees are being imposed on parents without any proper consultation or prior warning; recognises the significant burden that it considers this decision will have on working families who are already struggling to make ends meet; believes this decision to be short-sighted, unfair and completely unacceptable to the families of Glasgow, and backs calls from parents and campaigners for SNP councillors to rethink the planned increase.