Sure Start centres must be protected, says TUC

Sure Start centres must be protected, says TUC

Commenting on reports today (Thursday) that hundreds of Sure Start centres could be at risk of closure under Conservative spending plans, TUC General Secretary Frances O’Grady said:

“The astronomical cost of childcare in the UK means that for many families work simply does not pay. The closure of any more Sure Start children’s centres, especially after years of cuts to childcare tax credits, would make an already bad situation even worse.
 
“Those who do work often end up having to go without just so they can pay the nursery fees. The next government should move to end this childcare nightmare instead of increasing the burden on hard-pressed families across the country.

“Sure Start centres are a vital lifeline for many of the UK’s poorest households and must be protected.”

NOTES TO EDITORS:
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