Lucy Powell MP, Labour’s Shadow Minister for Childcare and Children, commenting on the Government consultation on childminder agencies, said:

“Childminder agencies are not the silver bullet Ministers think they are to tackle David Cameron’s cost-of-living crisis. They could increase, not reduce costs for mums and dads. Parents facing a cost-of-living crisis have seen costs rise 30 per cent since 2010 and at the same time wages are down £1,600. The number of childminders has fallen by 2601 since 2011.

“Labour recognises the pressures that families face to make ends meet. That’s why Labour would extend free childcare for working parents with three and four year-olds from 15 to 25 hours and introduce a Primary Childcare Guarantee to help parents manage the logistical nightmare of arranging before and after school ​care.”