Fixing childcare system at heart of Green vision for Scotland
Fixing Scotland’s costly childcare system will be at the heart of the Scottish Greens’ manifesto which will be launched today in Glasgow.
The party’s manifesto will include plans for the biggest expansion of free childcare for a generation, with commitments to roll out 1140 hours of funded childcare to all two year olds in Scotland and 570 hours of funded childcare to every child from 6 months to 2 years old.
This would save families £10,000 per child over the course of 2.5 years, helping to tackle inequality and opening up new opportunities for thousands of parents.
Party co-leader Gillian Mackay will say:
“Our manifesto has plans for the biggest expansion of free childcare for a generation, supporting parents who are feeling the strain like never before.
“All over Scotland there are families being forced to spend a huge chunk of their wages on childcare.
“When childcare costs so much it entrenches inequality, pushes women out of the workforce, widens the gender pay gap, and locks working-class parents out of opportunities.
“Nobody should be forced to make a choice between cutting their working hours, or cutting back on essentials, but far too many are being forced to make these terrible choices every day.
“High quality, affordable childcare should never be a luxury. It is an investment in parents as well as children, and that is why it is such a priority for us.
“Our manifesto includes commitments to roll out 1140 hours funded childcare to all two year olds in Scotland and to offer 570 hours of funded childcare to every child from 6 months to 2 years old.
“Parents who take this up can save £10,000 per child over the course of 2.5 years, helping to tackle inequality and opening up opportunities for thousands of parents.
“Unlike other parties, our commitment is for every family in Scotland, because no one should have to jump through hoops to prove they deserve support on Childcare.
“It is one of the most crucial steps we can take to tackle inequality, both for children and families and for women returning to work, and that's why it's at the heart of our vision for Scotland.”
