A major tax-free childcare package announced in the Queen’s Speech will help over 3,000 families in East Dunbartonshire, local MP Jo Swinson said today.

Working families will get up to £2,000 per child to ease the cost of childcare as part of a scheme to be rolled out in autumn 2015. It means a local family with two children under 12 years old could benefit by up to £4,000 a year. 

Commenting, Jo said: 

“This announcement of tax-free childcare in the Queen’s Speech will a huge boost to local hard-working families in East Dunbartonshire. This was something Liberal Democrats have worked hard for and are now delivering in Government. 

“The Scottish Liberal Democrats have also fought a long and successful campaign to expand free early years education, which has finally been implemented by the Scottish Government in Holyrood. 

“From August this year, more than a quarter of two year olds will be eligible for the 16 hours a week of free early years education that 3 and 4 year olds receive. However, the Scottish Liberal Democrats want to go further and are pushing for 40% of two year olds to become eligible, as will be happening in England from September. 

“These new measures in the Queen’s Speech will ensure that children get a fair start in life, and will help local parents juggle their work and family commitments.”