London Labour Party

Boris Johnson axes affordable childcare unit and exposes Tory threat 


The Conservative threat to affordable childcare and frontline services was highlighted in London following the news that Tory mayor Boris Johnson has disbanded London’s dedicated childcare unit. 

Childcare professionals have expressed their concern about the move.

Tessa Jowell said, 

“Affordable childcare is vital for thousands of London's parents. Scrapping this unit that assists London boroughs to provide childcare threatens the work that has helped thousands of families in London and support for parents to get back into work.

"Boris Johnson's threat to childcare echoes the threat that the Conservatives pose to Sure Start Children's Centres nationally.’’

The unit, formed in 2003, was responsible for supporting London boroughs to offer better access to childcare for low-income families. It published guidance and research into the cost and quality of London childcare and piloted subsidised childcare places alongside support for parents looking for work. The agency also helped London boroughs meet their duties to ensure sufficient childcare.

But the Evening Standard reports today:

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  “Boris Johnson's economic body was accused of leaving thousands of low-income families in the lurch today after scrapping its childcare team. The move could leave many working parents struggling to cope with nursery and childminder fees, care groups warned.”

Labour has opened 3,504 Sure Start Children’s centres, helping over 2.7 million children with parenting support, childcare for children and job training for adults as well as health care and advice. This is part of a £25 billion investment in early years and childcare services. 

There are now 543 Sure Start Children’s centres across London with a total reach of 456,316.

The Tories would take Sure Start backwards, by cutting its funding and taking it back to its “original purpose” of helping only the poorest.

Boris Johnson has now axed London’s childcare team, despite its track record of delivering childcare improvement in the capital.