What obstacles do London families face when seeking childcare?

12 JULY 2011

What are the major barriers that London families encounter when trying to access good quality childcare? And how might planned welfare reforms affect choices for parents in the capital?

The London Assembly Health and Public Services Committee will tomorrow begin [1] its review of childcare provision in the capital. 

The Committee will discuss the availability, price and quality of childcare in London - worth an estimated £1 billion[2] - with a range of experts. Members will also look at any inequalities across the capital and consider the potential impact of changes to tax credits on families’ childcare and employment choices.

The following guests have been invited to attend the meeting:

  • Kate Groucutt, Policy Director, Daycare Trust;
  • Caroline Davey, Director of Policy, Advice and Communications, Gingerbread; 
  • Eva Lloyd, Reader in Childcare, University of East London; and
  • Jenny Deeks, London Representative, Children Centre Leaders Reference Group and Head of Coin Street Family & Children’s Centre.

The meeting will take place on Wednesday, 13 July from 2.30pm in Committee Room 5 at City Hall (The Queen’s Walk, London SE1). Media and members of the public are invited to attend.  The meeting can also be viewed via webcast. 

Notes for Editors:

  1. The Committee will use tomorrow’s discussions to shape its investigation into childcare. It will be looking to gather views from parents and others in the autumn and a second meeting will be held on 2 November 2011, when the issue will be discussed further.
  2. See the London Development Agency report on The London Childcare Market, February 2011
  3. Read more about the Committee’s investigation
  4. The Chair of the Health and Public Services Committee, Victoria Borwick AM, is available for interview.  See contact details below.
  5. As well as investigating issues that matter to Londoners, the London Assembly acts as a check and a balance on the Mayor.

For media enquiries, please contact Lisa Moore / Julie Wheldon on 020 7983 4228/4283.  For out of hours media enquiries, call 020 7983 4000 and ask for the London Assembly duty press officer.  Non-media enquiries should be directed to the Public Liaison Unit on 020 7983 4100.