Council keeps options open amid nursery funding fears

Lancashire County Council says it has not ruled out continuing to provide nurseries and early years providers with the same level of funding they currently receive to deliver free childcare entitlements.

- by Paul Faulkner

It comes after the county's Labour MPs last week wrote to the Reform UK-run authority to express concern that it may be considering cutting the proportion of government cash that is passed on to the operators of early years services.

The National Day Nurseries Association estimates changes to the current arrangements could lead to a £3m funding reduction to nurseries in Lancashire.

Rossendale and Darwen MP Andy MacNae said some providers had warned him any cuts could increase costs for families or even force some establishments to close.

In response, the county councilwhose area excludes Blackpool and Blackburn with Darwen - has said it will consider "a number of possible options" as part of a consultation to take place in September.

The Post understands any changes decided upon would then come into effect in April 2026.