Member

Amendment 162 concerns childcare. The Social Mobility Commission identified that childcare is a significant factor in the ability of people, particularly those from lower socioeconomic backgrounds, to take up and sustain paid employment. It is all about availability and affordability, which, again, vary by geography. If the Bill specifically stated that childcare is one such matter, in the area of the Bill that affects levels of prosperity, it would introduce the requirement of reporting and, therefore, accountability for devolved authorities, such as the relevant combined county authority, to ensure that adequate provision is in place for this purpose.