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Rt. Hon. Sir Alan Beith MPLiberal Democrat Member of Parliament for Berwick Upon TweedWorking for you and the Berwick upon Tweed Constituency all year roundin Northumberland and in Westminster |
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Families would benefit under a Lib Dem government - Beith
March 13, 2009 2:30 PM
As a parent and grandfather, Alan Beith knows how important it is for families to be able to rely on childcare.
Under a Liberal Democrat Government, all families would be given 20 hours of free, high quality childcare and fathers could take up to one year of paternity leave.
The plans were adopted at the recent Liberal Democrat Spring Conference.
The proposals include:
•Providing 20 hours of free, good quality childcare a week from 18 months to five years old
•Ensuring all childcare workers are qualified to a minimum level
•Improving the quality of childcare by expanding the role of children's centres as training institutions
•Providing 19 months paternity leave, shared between both parents making it easier for fathers to play a fuller role
Sir Alan Beith, Liberal Democrat MP for Berwick upon Tweed, said:
"As a parent and now a grandfather, I know how difficult it can be to find suitable childcare.
"The need for flexible and affordable childcare has never been more urgent with many families needing to work even longer hours to make ends meet.
"The Liberal Democrats are committed to giving all children the best start in life, and to providing families with the help they need to organise their busy lives.
"That's why we would allow parents to share 19 months paternity leave, and provide free, good quality childcare for all toddlers over 18 months."
Sir Alan Beith has also been fighting for local families whose childcare facilities have recently been facing an uncertain future. He said
"I have been assured that the services in Berwick are going to be provided through the County Council which will be a relief to many parents.
"I'm continuing to work with local residents and others to see if there are any other sources of funding for childcare facilities in Widdrington, and I have taken up the lack of Sure Start funding with the minister."
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