Catherine Stihler, Scottish Labour MEP

Childcare in Scotland

Sir,

It comes as no surprise that the cost of childcare in Scotland is not just rising, but is the second most expensive outside of London (your report, 9 February 2011).  It is vital that we focus on the economic future of families and not penalise women for having children. It is ludicrous that  we have a childcare care system which is so exorbitant that many mothers cannot afford to work.  The Organisation for Economic Co-Operation and Development produced a study last year revealing that British parents spend on average one-third of their salaries on childcare.

Britain could certainly learn a lot from our European neighbours. Most of our EU partners tend to provide more state funding for childcare, which subsequently allows women to continue working.  In Sweden pre-school places are available from the age of one and families do not pay more than three percent of their income, per child, on childcare.  This is in stark contrast to thousands upon thousands of Scottish families who have been let down by the Nationalists lack of commitment to address the growing burden of childcare costs. The need for affordable, flexible and high quality childcare services has never been so important and should be given the political priority it truly deserves.

Yours sincerely,

Catherine Stihler MEP