Greens launch manifesto with promise to transform childcare

Fixing Scotland’s “costly” childcare system will be at the heart of the Scottish Greens’ manifesto, the party has pledged.

Launching in Glasgow on Tuesday, the Greens will promise the “biggest expansion of free childcare for a generation”.

Co-leader Gillian Mackay said her party would commit to rolling out 1,140 hours of funded childcare to all two-year-olds in Scotland and 570 hours of funded childcare to every child from six months to two years old.

She said that would save families £10,000 per child over two and a half years, helping to tackle inequality and opening up new opportunities for thousands of parents.

Ms Mackay said: “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.”

Ms Mackay said high-quality, affordable childcare should “never be a luxury” as she described her plans as an “investment” in both parents and children.

She said: “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.”

Fulton MacGregor, SNP candidate for Coatbridge and Chryston, said his party had “completely transformed childcare”.

“But we have heard the calls from parents across the country who are struggling to juggle work and childcare,” he added.

“That is why the SNP will extend support for childcare for every child from nine months until they reach the end of primary school, and because parents’ work doesn’t stop during holidays – neither will the provision of childcare.

“Every family will get financial support, from between £1,400 to over £11,000 dependent on need for 52 weeks of the year.

“An SNP Government on Scotland’s side will support parents with the cost of living and deliver the best possible start in life for our children.”

Alex Cole-Hamilton, the leader of the Scottish Liberal Democrats, said there were “too many gaps” in childcare, with too many families struggling to make ends meet.

He said families should have a “real choice and flexibility” over how they organise their lives.

He said: “This should be backed up by increased support for private, voluntary and independent nurseries, preventing a loss of staff from the sector and giving parents more choice when accessing childcare.

“It would also be the shot in the arm that our economy needs. If parents are better supported with childcare costs, they will find it easier to return to work, which will, in turn, raise tax revenues and increase the money available for public services.

“Our aim is to make Scotland the best place to grow up or raise children by ensuring proper support is available whenever and wherever families need it.

“If that sounds good to you, you should back Scottish Liberal Democrats on your second peach regional ballot paper.”