SDLP Ballyarnett Councillor Catherine McDaid has secured unanimous agreement at Derry City and Strabane District Council for her motion to increase awareness of childcare support among parents in the local area.
As a result of the motion, Council will engage with Employers for Childcare with the intention of hosting a Family Benefits Advice Clinic in Derry.
Council will also write to the Department of Education to express its support for a public awareness campaign to make more parents aware of the costs of childcare.
Said Cllr McDaid: “Childcare is a huge issue for parents across Derry and Strabane.
“As a working mother to three young children, I would never have considered, before I had my kids that my monthly childcare bill would amount to substantially more than my mortgage, or that it would be difficult to even find suitable childcare at all for my family.
“Yet that is the reality for so many parents like me across our city and district.
“Families here simply cannot make ends meet because of the costs of childcare and many have had to cut down on working hours, or leave employment altogether. We know that this particularly impacts women when it comes to pursuing their chosen career .
“I believe it is totally inexcusable that Northern Ireland still does not have a Childcare Strategy and the SDLP will continue to lobby for universal and affordable childcare for all.
“In the meantime, I believe that it is vital we take all possible steps to ensure that as many parents as possible are aware of the financial help that is available with these costs.
“Right now, far too many parents are kept in the dark about this support and do not know where to turn when it comes to getting support.
“According to the Employers for Childcare Survey in 2021, almost a third of families are not claiming financial support, even though most working parents are eligible.
“The same survey showed that one in five parents have little to no confidence that they are accessing all the support they are entitled to.
“Just last week, the Department of Education’s Review of Childcare Services found evidence of limited knowledge among parents about what support was available.
“Clearly, we need to do a much better job at making this information publicly available and ensuring that all parents are aware of the support that is out there.
“I am pleased that Council was able to unanimously back this proposal on Wednesday afternoon and am looking forward to working with colleagues from all parties to see these measures delivered.”
Tags: