Pledge to expand childare hailed by MSPTom

Renfrewhire South MSP Tom Arthur claims new commitments to expand childcare into primary school and scrap social care charges could help lift people out of poverty.

The SNP say they will axe all non-residential social care charges and expand childcare into the school holidays for primary pupils from the poorest backgrounds if re- elected at the 2021 election.

The First Minister pledged the new policies to ensure that everyone in Scotland has access to the support they need without cost – providing high quality care for those in most need, and helping parents continue working over holiday periods.

SNP MSP Mr Arthur said: “By August next year the SNP in government will have all but doubled the hours children receive. It will give them 30 hours a week of high quality, free care and education - saving families across Renfrewshire South £4,500 per year for each child.

“But we will not stop there. If the SNP is elected after the next Holyrood election, we will expand childcare into the school holidays for primary pupils from the poorest backgrounds – to help ensure that parents can continue working over holiday periods.

“Earlier this year, the SNP Government extended free personal care to everyone who needs it, regardless of age – and over the next parliament, the SNP will scrap non-residential social care charges for all.

“We’re determined to help families with the cost of living throughout their lifetimes – ensuring that fairness and equality are embedded in our society from birth to retirement.

“That pro g res s i v e , ambitious vision for government is exactly why people in Scotland continue to put their faith in the SNP.”