Scottish Greens childcare plans will fix a broken system
The Scottish Greens’ plans for the biggest expansion of childcare for a generation will support parents and children through the cost of living crisis and put money back in people's pockets.
In Scotland, the average cost of full-time nursery for two year olds is £260 a week.
According to research from Pregnant Then Screwed, Over a third of parents have had to choose between paying for childcare and household essentials while over a quarter have relied on some form of debt or withdraw money from savings to pay for it.
The Scottish Greens are offering all families in Scotland 1140 hours of funded childcare from the week after a child turns two, which will be delivered as soon as possible.
They will also invest in staffing and nursery facilities, ensuring that by the end of the parliamentary session, all families with children aged 6 months to 2 years can also access 570 hours of fully funded childcare.
Party co-leader Gillian Mackay said:
“All over Scotland there are parents struggling to get by while others are putting off having children altogether due to soaring costs.
“Investing in childcare is one of the best things we can do for children and parents. But it's also an investment in our communities and in helping us to build a fairer and better society.
“I've heard from so many parents who are being forced to choose between childcare and essentials and from women who are worried about whether they can afford to have the family they want.
“It's heartbreaking that so many are being forced to make those kinds of choices, but we have the power to stop it.
“All parties agree there's a problem and that the system is broken for too many parents. But words are not enough. We need to fix it.
“The Scottish Greens support universal free childcare and more support for childcare staff, funded by asking those with the most to pay their fair share in tax.
“If we are to build a more equal Scotland then we must ensure every child has access to care, learning, and support. When we put up barriers like means-testing there will always be people priced out or slipping through the cracks.
“With more Green MSPs we can deliver the change we need and offer opportunities for generations to come.”
