Survey highlights flexibility penalty for mums
Despite the post-Covid move to more flexible working, many mums are struggling to get the...read more
Over two-thirds of mothers would be less likely to vote for a party that cut free childcare places or tax credits, according to research by the Daycare Trust.
The Daycare Trust, along with Bounty Parenting Club, surveyed 2,500 mothers and asked how the political parties’ childcare policies would affect their voting intentions in the forthcoming General Election.
The research found that:
The charity today launches its Daycare Trust Childcare Charter, a six-point manifesto designed to put the issue of childcare at the heart of the election. As well as free places and tax credits, it calls upon the next Government to improve the quality of childcare and protect Sure Start Children’s Centres.
The six points are:
Alison Garnham, Chief Executive of Daycare Trust, said: “Our survey shows that any party hoping for success at this election must prove they are serious about giving families the support they need, and set out a clear commitment to invest in childcare.
“The fact that these policies are so significant to the mothers we spoke to shows the progress that has been made in recent years, but there is still a long way to go. Parents across the country are telling us more needs to be done – that’s why today we are publishing Daycare Trust’s childcare charter, outlining the policies that will make a real difference to families, and asking all parliamentary candidates to give it their backing.”
In the run-up to the election, we are hearing speeches and sound-bites from politicians about children and families every day. However, in reality it is firm policy promises on issues such as flexible working; more financial help with childcare, and improved childcare provision that will not only win votes but also really deliver support for families.”
The charity 4Children has also launched its manifesto for the upcoming General Election. The measures contained in A Vote for Children and Families 2010 include:
Meanwhile, the Commons’ Children, Schools and Families Committee says cutting the Sure Start scheme would be disastrous, but said more data on its effectiveness and value for money was needed.
Sure Start centres deliver a range of services to families with young children, including help for parents wanting to find work, childcare, healthcare and family support.
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