NEW CASH DOESN'T TACKLE CHILDCARE PLACE SHORTAGE

12.01.00am GMT Wed 9th Nov 2005

Commenting ahead of the expected announcement later today (Wednesday) by the Mayor of the number of Childcare Affordability Programme places that have been bid for by providers in each London borough, Liberal Democrat spokesperson on childcare Dee Doocey said:

"Whilst we welcome the fact that the extra cash will allow more parents to get back into work by providing more affordable childcare, in many parts of London demand for places still outstrips supply. The trouble is that the Childcare Affordability Programme doesn't create new places, but only makes existing childcare more affordable.

"The Mayor must stick to his promise of delivering the extra 2,350 new childcare places this year, in addition to the Childcare Affordability Programme, otherwise the capital will still be short of what London's parents need."

Ends

Notes to editor

The Mayor is expected to announce the number of Affordable Childcare Places that have been bid for by providers in each London Borough later today (Wednesday 9th November).

The target set out by the Mayor and London Development Agency for the creation of new childcare places 2,350 for 2005/06.