Graham Jones: Letter to constituent on childcare

Graham Jones has been receiving lots of correspondence regarding Labour policies as the General Election approaches and one voter emailed in regarding the state of childcare provision and paternity leave. This was Graham's reply:

Thank you for writing to me regarding the childcare situation with your 8 and 2 year old children. I fully take on board what you say about increasing the numbers of hours that you can get access to childcare, as well as bringing the age down further.

I will be going into the next election supporting Labour’s raft of childcare promises which I believe will make a real difference to families such as yours, across Haslingden and Hyndburn. Labour’s proposals will mean doubling paid paternity leave from 2 to 4 weeks as well as raising paternity pay by more than £100 so that it stands at least as £260 a week. I believe this is important because it gives working Dads the chance to take time off and care for their child.

In addition to this, and directly relevant to your daughter, the next Labour Government will extend the number of free childcare hours from 15 to 25 hours a week, paid for by an increase in tax on the banks. For slightly older children, we will make sure there is an offer of guaranteed access to wraparound childcare between 8am and 6pm through our primary schools.

I know these changes will mean a great deal to families across the area, and I want to see a Labour Government putting them into law as soon as possible.

Thank you once again for contacting me.

Best wishes
Graham