Alliance criticises lack of support for early years in Spring Statement 

Commenting, Neil Leitch, CEO of the Early Years Alliance, said:

“We are both frustrated and disappointed that, yet again, the early years sector has been ignored in today’s Spring Statement announcement.

“Many providers had hoped that the government could use this as an opportunity to reallocate the substantial underspend from the tax-free childcare scheme to the early years sector. However, the government’s failure to do so means that many early years providers will continue to struggle to make ends meet, and sadly, many will have no option but to close their business.  

“The government also failed to remedy its decision to exclude early years settings from an extension in business rate support despite the fact that retail, leisure and hospitality businesses will continue to benefit from rates relief over the coming financial year. While we know that not all early years providers are subject to business rates, for those that are, this would have provided vital financial help at a time when so many are struggling in the face of rises in the minimum wage and national insurance contributions from next month.  

“Today’s Spring Statement was an opportunity for the government to address the early years funding crisis but, yet again, it has failed to do so. Ultimately, it is parents and providers who will pay the price."