Hyslop Welcomes £1 Billion Child Care Investment
Local Constituency MSP Fiona Hyslop has welcomed the news that West Lothian Council will receive a share of Scottish Government Investment of almost £1bn for free childcare.
Following extensive engagement to reach a shared understanding of the costs of the expansion, Scottish Ministers and COSLA Leaders have reached agreement on a multi-year funding package.
Commenting, Fiona said;
“West Lothian families will benefit from a share of almost £1 billion funding each year to support our ambitious expansion of free childcare.
“All three and four year olds, and eligible two year olds, will be entitled to 1140 hours of free childcare – effectively mirroring the primary school week. This means we are almost doubling the availability of free childcare, saving parents hundreds of pounds a month and many will find it easier to return to work or to increase their working hours.
“This significant investment in families in West Lothian and across Scotland and shows that the SNP are determined to help families with young children and ultimately make Scotland the best place in the world to grow up.”
ENDS
Editor’s Info
The Scottish Government will invest an additional £567 million per year by 2021-22, bringing total spending on early learning and childcare to around £990 million.
In addition, the Scottish Government will provide councils with total capital funding of £476 million over four years to support associated buildings projects.