Lucy Powell MP, Labour’s Shadow Minister for Childcare and Children, commenting on the Government’s admission that there is a 38,000 shortfall in the number of childcare places for 15 hours free early education for disadvantaged two year olds, said:

“Under David Cameron we’ve got a cost of living crisis made worse by the fact that families who were promised free childcare are finding they don’t have a place.

“This Government has hit families with reduced support, rising childcare costs and fewer places. Labour’s primary childcare guarantee and the extension of free childcare for working parents from 15 to 25 hours for three and four year olds will be a real boost for families feeling the pinch and struggling to balance work and family life.”