ST Helens MPs have reacted to the childcare news put forward in the Chancellors Budget yesterday, citing 30 free hours for under 2s – but only in 2025.

Yesterday the Star reported what mums of children currently in that age group thought following the announcement by Chancellor of the Exchequer Jeremy Hunt laid out the Conservative Government’s plan to extend the offer of 30 hours free childcare currently in place for over 3s to those aged nine months to under 5.

But when?

However the plans, he explained, would come in in stages with 15 free hours a week for two year olds from April 2024, then 15 free hours a week for children aged nine months to three years old from September 2024 then for 30 free hours a week to by implemented for children aged nine months to school age (five) from September 2025.

READ: Mums feel 'let down' as Budget plans only offer childcare help in 2024

What do our MPs have to say on this?

Marie Rimmer MP for St Helens South and Whiston, said: “Anything that makes it easier for working people to pay for childcare is a good start.

"For far too long the Conservatives have turned their backs on parents.

"For thirteen years they have done nothing to help working parents. Even with this announcement, it is not introduced in full until 2025. That will be almost fifteen years too late.

“The reality is that the childcare sector is in chaos. Most nurseries are losing the qualified staff that do an excellent job looking after children.

“They cannot afford to keep them. If the Government is serious about this plan, then there needs to be adequate funding for childcare providers so they can have the well-trained staff to offer the free childcare. Free childcare is worth nothing if parents cannot access it.”

Conor McGinn, MP for St Helens North added: “We need to see the details of this policy but any measures to support families is welcome.

"We know that childcare costs are a huge factor in preventing women from returning to work, but quality of providers and availability of hours is also an issue.

"We are lucky to have some excellent childcare providers in St Helens and I will engage with them on how this policy will be practically implemented locally”.