Surrey Liberal Democrats say "Remove costly childcare barrier for working parents"

Almost one-third of Surrey parents are unable to take up childcare places with most failing to take up the childcare places because it is too expensive according to a recent report published by Surrey County Council. Instead, they have to rely on other family members, particularly grandparents, to help with all or some of their childcare needs if they want to return to work or study.

Cllr Hazel Watson Leader of the Liberal Democrat Opposition on Surrey County Council said: "Childcare costs in Surrey are so expensive that many parents just cannot use the childcare that is available as it leaves them in a pay-neutral or pay-negative position."

This arises where the cost of childcare plus the cost of travel wipe out someone's entire net of tax earnings, preventing many parents from going out to work and from earning a living to support their families.

It is also stopping those parents from contributing their skills to the Surrey economy.

Hazel Watson continued, "The cost of childcare should not be a barrier to parents taking up childcare and going to work. Childcare is a necessity for working parents, not a luxury, and should be available, at an affordable price, to all and especially to those on low incomes.

Hazel Watson added, "In order to meet this need, the County Council has to ensure that there are enough childcare places at affordable prices in Surrey to meet demand."

Hazel Watson concluded, "It is no good having childcare places on offer to parents if they are too expensive and unaffordable to parents who want to go out to work to support their families."