The Welsh Liberal Democrats have criticised the Welsh Labour Government for leaving families in Wales at a disadvantage compared to those in England, following a change in policy that means families in England will be able to access 30 hours of government-funded childcare from 9 months to 4 years old.

In contrast, Labour’s childcare offer in Wales is far less generous, providing just 12.5 hours a week for 2–3-year-olds, 30 hours for 3–4-year-olds, and nothing at all for children under two.

The Welsh Liberal Democrats have long called for the Welsh Government to expand childcare support, demanding 30 hours of funded childcare per week for every child in Wales aged between 9 months and 4 years old.

During recent budget negotiations, Welsh Liberal Democrat Leader Jane Dodds MS secured £30 million in additional funding to extend the Flying Start programme to all two-year-olds in Wales and increase the hourly rate for childcare providers. While welcoming this step, Dodds warned it still fell far short of what families need.

The Party highlighted that the soaring cost of childcare is driving Welsh families to the brink during the cost-of-living crisis and holding back the economy, as parents are often forced to give up work because childcare is unaffordable.

Commenting, Welsh Liberal Democrat Leader Jane Dodds MS said:“With today’s policy change in England, Welsh families will be left struggling at even more of a disadvantage than they were previously.

"The frightening cost of childcare is holding our economy back by keeping parents out of the workforce because, for many families, it is more cost-effective for a parent to stay at home than return to work.

"Making it easier for parents to access affordable and flexible childcare would be good for the parents, their children and the Welsh economy, and I will continue to use my voice in the Senedd to call for greater action from a complacent Welsh Labour Government.

"A vote next May for the Welsh Liberal Democrats is a vote to put access to affordable childcare right at the top of the agenda here in Wales.”