£5 million shortfall in OFMDFM childcare pledge

It was revealed in the Assembly recently that OFMDFM officials estimate that only £7 million of the £12 million allocated for childcare in the period 2011-15 will be spent.

Historically Northern Ireland has lagged behind the rest of the UK when childcare policy is concerned. Over the past few years, the situation has improved slightly. The introduction of £12 million ring-fenced for childcare was one development which was viewed by many as a step in the right direction. News that only just over half of this funding will be spent in the allocated time shows that childcare is still not registering as an issue which needs urgent attention by our senior civil servants and politicians.

Over the past few years, childcare costs have steadily increased across the UK, adding to the many other financial pressures that parents face in the current economic climate. In England, Wales and Scotland there is a consensus across the main political parties that more needs to be done to make childcare affordable. Indeed as the next election approaches, it is becoming clear that competing ‘childcare offers’ may form the basis of the impending battle to win votes. Our local politicians must take this same view and prioritise childcare.

The fact remains that when the cost of childcare prohibits parents from working, the damage extends well beyond negatively impacting on each individual’s long-term career prospects. For every parent who gives up work, the local labour force and our economy suffers. With the funds available to make much-needed improvements to our childcare infrastructure, action needs to be taken immediately.

CEO Marie Marin
email: marie.marin@employersforchildcare.org
Call Free: 0800 028 6538