Step Up Step Up - January 2014 | Page 10

PAGE 10 STEP UP ECONOMIC WELLBEING More cash for childcare A cash boost of £337,000, enabling ‘…childcare providers will also be able to apply to the council for match-funding to expand their premises.’ longer opening hours for school nurseries, has been welcomed by Croydon Council. Large numbers of Croydon’s working parents will benefit from their children’s nurseries being able to provide care from 8am to 6pm as a result of the government’s allocation of the new money. In addition, childcare providers will also be able to apply to the council for match-funding to expand their premises and open new sites through the relaxation of planning laws. With Londoners facing the highest childcare costs in the country, the extra cash will relieve pressure on many struggling families.