Childcare will be treated as “national infrastructure” like schools, GP surgeries and public transport after a major victory for campaigners.
MPs have been pushing for a change in the law to recognise the vital contribution made to the economy by affordable or free childcare services, which allow parents to go to work.
Labour MP Stella Creasy tabled an amendment to the government’s levelling up and regeneration bill that places a duty on developers to ensure there is sufficient childcare provision when carrying out building projects.
It means that the provision of subsidised or free childcare for those in school up to the age of 11 will be included under the bill’s definition of infrastructure.
Councils will be able to draw on the community infrastructure levy, a charge that councils can apply to new developments, to raise funds for local services and facilities.
