News / Bristol
Bristol parents struggle to access new childcare entitlement
Concerns that parents could miss out on new childcare entitlement have been raised by the MP for Bristol North West.
Darren Jones has questioned the Government over its implementation of the scheme in the wake of numerous complaints from constituents, who reported problems in accessing the system and frustrating long waits for answers.
The MP says he is hugely supportive of the initiative, which launched on Friday, September 1 and entitles families to 30 hours per week of publicly-funded care for three to four year olds – up from 15 hours.
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But he expressed disappointment that issues remain and has written a letter to HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC), which administers the policy, asking for urgent action and assurances that parents who have experienced problems will not miss out.
“I am very concerned that parents may be unable to access the funding because the IT systems are not up to scratch,” said Jones.
“Parents are expressing their concerns about problems with the website and their ability to book a childcare place once they have overcome the obstacles in gaining access to the system.
“I have written to HMRC to shine further light on the problems parents and guardians are having and to get clarity of the situation locally in Bristol North West.
“I want assurances that parents will not miss out because of websites crashing and problems receiving the authorisation codes needed to book a space.
“I also want to understand how many parents in Bristol North West have been unable to use their 30 hours because of limited places available in local childcare settings”.
Jones is running an online childcare survey and is inviting parents to give feedback on the scheme by September 14.
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