Letter: Private investment in childcare
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.From Mr Andrew Newton
Sir: I was surprised by Professor Ruth Lister's remarks in her letter (2 December) that proposals to encourage lone parents to move into paid employment are of doubtful effect particularly while the Government "refuses" to invest in childcare facilities.
A study made earlier this year by the Institute for Fiscal Studies indicated that the availability of childcare does not automatically return mothers to the labour market.
Immediately after the Budget it was announced that the childcare benefit (not to be confused with Family Credit) is to be raised from pounds 40 to pounds 60 per week, equivalent to the average full-time weekly cost of childcare outside London. Now that government has guaranteed the whole of the cost of childcare, and childcare businesses will be able to borrow on the collateral of a childcare voucher, there is a valid business case for private sector investment in childcare facilities.
If the greater social problems of single-parent families are not worked out in the future, that will increasingly be because childcare subsidies and taxable benefits alone are not able to provide all the necessary security.
Yours faithfully,
Andrew Newton
Chairman
Social Security Committee
Bow Group
London, W2
5 December
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments