SDLP MP Claire Hanna has welcomed the launch of the childcare subsidy scheme today, encouraging parents to register to receive support.

The South Belfast and Mid Down MP said that this scheme is only part of a package of support needed to help working families.

Claire Hanna MP said:

“For years, parents have been speaking out about the snowballing childcare costs that have put pressure on family finances and pushed many out of the workforce. The SDLP has tirelessly campaigned on this issue and in January last year launched our proposals for immediate intervention in order to support parents and providers.

“I am pleased the Department has listened and was proud to have led on lobbying for this work, supporting the grassroots movement of parents who came together to march and organise for change, who forced all political parties to take the issue seriously and who came up with workable proposals. It is very welcome that the portal for the NI Childcare Subsidy scheme has been launched and it is important that all parents who are eligible for the scheme make sure to register before 20 August to receive this support.

“Of course, this is only part of a package of support measures and the scheme is not a complete solution to the longer-term challenges facing early education. That work starts with the Executive publishing a bold, ambitious, and comprehensive Early Education and Childcare Strategy that can guarantee affordability for parents, sustainability for providers and the best start in life for all children.

“The Department of Finance must also protect Barnett consequentials that arise through higher childcare spending in GB, to be spent on measures to support parents and providers here in Northern Ireland. That this didn’t happen for years is part of the reason that this region fell behind others in its provision for families.

“The SDLP will continue to infuse new ideas into this area of policy and to hold the Executive accountable in bringing down costs for families.”