Humza Yousaf outlines plan to expand free childcare
The First Minister candidate is describing the £25 million annual fund as a 'win-win' for Scotland and family households.
First Minister candidate Humza Yousaf has unveiled plans to launch a multi-million pound annual fund to help parents with the cost of early years childcare.
The SNP Minister, who is bidding to replace Nicola Sturgeon revealed the plans today in a bid to help parents returning to work and has pledged to prioritise childcare expansion for one and two year olds.
Yousaf’s ‘Helping Hand Fund’ will use £25 million a year to offer parents a £500 loan towards the first months of childcare costs, which will be paid back when the child leaves childcare.
He’s described the potential funding as ‘win-win’ for the country in the midst of the cost of living crisis.
"A win-win for Scotland"
He said: “Young families in Scotland are being hit hard by the Cost-of-Living Crisis.
“As a parent myself, I know how hard it is for many parents going back to work while juggling the commitments of childcare and employment.
“For those on low incomes in particular the upfront costs of childcare, transport and higher household bills are serious financial barriers stopping many parents getting back to work.
“As First Minister, my Helping Hand Fund would help working families by easing that burden, offering £500 loans towards the first stages of childcare to help all parents in Scotland returning from leave back into employment.
“A win-win for Scotland - cutting household costs, helping families get back into work and boosting our economy.”
The fund would be available for all children under three years who are not yet eligible for the SNP Government’s 1,140 hours of free childcare.
Mr Yousaf is also vowing to use his first budget as Scotland’s First Minister to accelerate the roll out of free early learning for all one and two year olds for up to 22 hours a week, all year round by utilising both local authority and PVI sector nurseries on an equitable funding basis.
"I'll accellarate the roll out of free early years education"
He added: “We know that expanding childcare has saved families thousands of pounds every year.
"So, if elected as First Minister I’ll go even further. In my first budget as Scotland’s First Minister, I will accelerate the roll out of free early years education for one and two year olds in Scotland. Offering high quality childcare for 22 hours a week, all year round - for all children.
“I want Scotland to be the best country in the world to grow up. My announcement today goes some of the way to ensuring we give our youngest Scots the very best start in life.”