In the Budget, the Chancellor announced that the UK Government will introduce 30 hours of free childcare for every child over the age of 9 months in England.
This will start the moment paternity or maternity leave ends, and is worth, on average, £6,500 every year for a family with a 2-year old child using 35 hours of childcare a week.
In Wales, however, this is the responsibility of the Welsh Government in Cardiff Bay. This also applies to some other areas where the UK Government has announced funding, like the boost for leisure centre and swimming pool funding.
James said:
“This announcement on childcare from the UK Government is hugely welcome. However, in Wales, childcare is the responsibility of the Welsh Government.
“I want to see the Labour-run Welsh Government taking action on expanding childcare and matching the ambition that Conservatives have for our children and families.
“The Welsh Government will be getting additional funding from the UK Government as a direct result of this huge expansion of childcare in England - Labour Ministers should do the right thing and boost childcare provision."
