15 May 2025

SDLP Economy Spokesperson Sinéad McLaughlin has welcomed the extension of the Northern Ireland Childcare Subsidy Scheme (NICSS) to school-age children.

It follows an announcement from the Education Minister on Thursday.

Ms McLaughlin had previously lobbied the Minister to widen the scheme.

Foyle MLA Ms McLaughlin said:

“This announcement from the Education Minister is welcome and will lower childcare bills for thousands of families with school-age children. This has been a pressing issue for parents for some time and I directly lobbied the Minister on their behalf and am glad he has listened and made the necessary changes so they can now avail of this scheme.

“However, the SDLP has been clear that when it comes to childcare support the NICSS can only be a beginning. While it has made a difference, the reality for parents is that much of this saving has already been swallowed up by increased childcare bills. We are still waiting on a businesses support scheme from the Department for the Economy to help providers and until that happens costs will continue to rise and this support will diminish.

“Ultimately, until we see a fully funded childcare strategy we will continue to see parents’ careers affected and women being forced from the workforce with severe consequences for our economy. The SDLP will continue to press the Minister for the delivery of this strategy and engage with the UK Government on lifting the tax-free childcare cap. Both measures are key to delivering the reduction in fees needed to alleviate financial pressure on parents.”