Plaid Cymru’s candidates in Sir Gaerfyrddin for next month’s Senedd election discussed their “transformational” childcare offer for Wales in a visit to Meithrinfa Cwtsh y Clôs in Llanarthne this week (Tuesday, 21 April).
The party, which is leading a tight race with Reform UK in the opinion polls with two weeks of the campaign remaining, have promised to provide 20 hours of free childcare for every single child between 9 months and 4 years by the end of the next term of the Senedd if they form a government after the election on 7 May. They would also honour the current offer of 30 hours a week for parents who are in work, education or training.
Fully implemented, the plan would be worth more than £30,000 in childcare costs during the first 4 years of a child’s life – the most generous offer from any government in the UK.
Speaking after the visit, Cefin Campbell, one of Plaid Cymru’s candidates in Sir Gaerfyrddin, said:
“We know how much the pressure of childcare costs weigh on new parents in Wales – indeed, the service is more expensive here than any other part of the United Kingdom.
“In a time where the cost of living is intensifying, the implications for parents’ mental health, children’s well-being and economic prosperity of not having access to fair, quality childcare in areas like Carmarthenshire are huge.”
Nerys Evans, another of the party’s candidates in the constituency, said:
“I’m proud that Plaid Cymru is making this policy a priority. We know that such an investment is one of the most effective ways of spending public money in terms of giving children the best start in life, helping parents back to work. The cost of living is such a concern for so many families, by investing in childcare we are also tackling poverty, and promoting economic opportunities across Carmarthenshire.
Angharad, a mother from Carmarthen said:
“As a mother, I am very happy that Plaid Cymru is promising free childcare for our young children here in Wales.
“This will ensure the best possible start for our children: ensuring that there is no discrimination; that all children have equal opportunities; and that there is no inequity between areas.”
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