Tom Gordon speaks out in support of Early Years Childcare

Harrogate and Knaresborough MP Tom Gordon has co-signed a letter from fellow Liberal Democrat MP Munira Wilson to the Minister for Education, Bridget Phillipson, expressing concerns over issues facing Early Years childcare. 

The main challenges raised as facing Early Years childcare are over funding and staffing. Funding has become a particularly acute issue in the aftermath of the Labour Government’s employers National Insurance Contribution’s (NICs) hike. This comes on top of the sector continuing to face funding challenges with “free” entitlements continuing to fall short. 

Recently, the Early Years Alliance found that almost a third of providers expect to have to close permanently within a year. In light of these revelations, Tom has joined many other Liberal Democrat MPs in signing Munira Wilson’s letter calling for the Government to reverse course, and ensure Early Years gets the funding it desperately needs. 

Commenting, Tom said: 

“Early Years provision is incredibly important. The Government can’t just sit by and watch as Early Years provision falls apart. The potential collapse will hurt so many parents and children. It’s absolutely essential the Government gives the sector the funding it needs. 

“The Conservatives might have started this crisis through their failure to properly fund, but Labour have worsened it with their ill-thought-out changes.

“I will continue to stand up for parents, children and childcare providers across Harrogate and Knaresborough, and fight to ensure they get the support they need and deserve.”

ENDS