Scottish Liberal Democrat candidate for Strathkelvin and Bearsden, Adam Harley, has called on East Dunbartonshire Council to reverse its decision to delay funded nursery places for three-year-olds, warning that families are being financially punished because of when their child was born.
Under the new policy, which is set to come into force in August, children will only become eligible for their 1,140 hours of funded early learning and childcare from the start of the term after their third birthday, rather than the day after their birthday as before. This change means some children will miss out on up to four months of free nursery education, potentially costing local families thousands.
The decision made by the Labour-SNP administration at East Dunbartonshire Council—has sparked widespread concern. Over 1,000 people have already signed a petition demanding the policy be reversed.
Adam Harley, the Scottish Liberal Democrat candidate to become MSP said:
“As the father of a two-year-old, I know how expensive childcare can be. This cut heaps more pressure onto families who are already struggling to meet the rising cost of living; and it’s even more infuriating to miss out on this funding simply due to your child’s birth month. Early years education is also vital for children’s development. The SNP and Labour must rethink this now.
The SNP Government at Holyrood needs to fund councils properly but also change the law to guarantee fairer nursery provision across Scotland. I will campaign for that change, so no family is left behind.”
Scottish Liberal Democrat candidate for Strathkelvin and Bearsden, Adam Harley, has written to Scottish Government Minister Natalie Don-Innes, demanding urgent action to end what he calls an “unfair postcode lottery” in nursery funding.
