Mark Jenkinson MP has welcomed the news that childcare providers in Cumberland will receive a 6.8 per cent increase to their hourly childcare payments for children aged three to four and a 28.6 per cent increase to the hourly rate for two-year-olds.
Through a new standalone top-up grant called the Early Years Supplementary Grant (EYSG), local authorities will receive this funding, representing a total of additional £204 million in funding for childcare providers.
It will take the average rate paid for places for three and four-year-olds from its current £5.29 per hour to £5.65 per hour, and take the average rate paid for places for two-year-olds from its current £6.00 per hour to £7.95 per hour.
This funding boost is vital to support the sector as the Conservative Government rolls out record reforms across childcare services, including 30 hours free childcare to all under four children by 2025.
As more families can rely on affordable childcare, parents will be able to take up more work and help grow the economy.
Mark Jenkinson MP said: “Supporting and expanding our childcare sector means more parents can return to work or progress in the workplace.
“Therefore, it’s great news that providers across Cumberland will see their hourly payments increase for the children they look after. Cumberland Council will now receive 6.8 per cent more funding per hour for children aged between three and four years old and 28.6 per cent for children aged two years old, and they must ensure that every penny is passed directly to providers and is not top-sliced as happened in the past.
“The Conservatives are rightly making sure more parents can rely on affordable childcare, allowing them to take up more work and help grow the economy.”
