Group 5: Additional charges and rates of payment (Amendments 13, 21, 32, 33)

Part of the debate – in the Senedd at 5:59 pm on 5 December 2018.

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Photo of Janet Finch-Saunders Janet Finch-Saunders Conservative 5:59, 5 December 2018

Diolch, Llywydd. During Stage 2 of the Bill's proceedings, we highlighted the inconsistencies between the Welsh Government's aim for the Bill to reduce barriers to employment through the childcare offer and the technical nature of the Bill. Nowhere is this more evident than the additional charges for snacks and consumables, which we believe will still present an added barrier for parents, particularly those on low incomes, to fully access the offer. Ultimately, this actually contradicts the primary aims of the Bill, as outlined within the explanatory memorandum, so we have re-tabled amendments 13 and 21. I again note that the Welsh Government guidelines within the pilot areas allow childcare providers to charge fees to parents of up to £37.50 per week, amounting to £7.50 per day, based on the cost of three meals a day. So, for parents who take up the full offer, this would mean finding an extra £1,800 a year. Not only do Welsh employees have the lowest take-home pay in the UK, but those in receipt of benefits eligible for free school meals do have extremely low incomes, meaning this is simply unaffordable.