Individual Post

POSTED By : DESTINATION NEWRY
Post Date : 10 Nov 2016 09:22 AM
Childcare strategy a must - Seeley

Sinn Féin spokesperson on childcare and young people, Catherine Seeley MLA, has expressed her frustration that once again the HMRC has made a decision to the detriment of working parents.

Speaking after Employers for Childcare presented to the Education Committee today, Ms Seeley said:

"During the presentation the charity explained that the HMRC have refused their organisation a VAT exemption.

"The added cost of VAT places an additional burden on the average family who are already struggling to cover childcare needs.

"It is simply unaffordable.

"This decision by HMRC has forced the service to close, caused staff redundancies and will undoubtedly force many parents out of work to care for their children.

"I welcome the Minister's commitment to the implementation of a childcare strategy, which will aim to provide good quality and affordable childcare.

"It is vital that the Minister brings this strategy forward as soon as possible."