Alliance Communities spokesperson Trevor Lunn MLA has said the Government has let down working parents by ending the Childcare Voucher Scheme.
Mr Lunn said last week’s closure of the scheme to new applicants showed the Government did not listen to evidence showing working parents would be disadvantaged through its closure.
“Many local parents use the Childcare Voucher Scheme to help make childcare affordable and so the campaign to re-open it continues,” said Mr Lunn.
“Employers for Childcare is calling for parents to tell their story about how the Childcare Voucher Scheme has helped them continue working. Also, working families who have missed out on the scheme are invited to highlight how closure has impacted negatively on them. These stories will be collated and presented to Government before the Budget is delivered on October 29.
“I would encourage parents to make their voices heard by telling their stories to Employers for Childcare. It is important the Government hears directly from people affected by this bad policy change and makes provision in the Budget to reverse it.
“Employers for Childcare also offers guidance on what financial support is available to parents. They can be contacted by email at hello@employersforchildcare.org or by telephone on 0800 028 3008.”