Fears nurseries could shut if funding cut goes ahead

Plans that could see Reform UK cut funding to nurseries in central Lancashire will see job losses, closures and fewer funded spaces for children in deprived areas.

- by Luke Beardsworth

That is the verdict from one charity which supports nurseries across Lancashire and the rest of the UK.

Lancashire County Council receives funding from central government to fund early years provision and the authority has typically passed all of this money to nurseries.

But a letter from a senior member of staff at Lancashire County shows the authority will launch a consultation in September which suggests keeping three per cent of that money for council services.

The National Day Nurseries Association (NDNA) estimates that this will save Lancashire County Council around £3m but cost the average nursery around £5,000.

Jonathan Broadbery, director of policy at the NDNA, said: “The evidence that had been presented in Lancashire [to lead to 100% of the funding being passed on] is that a number of sites were closing, particularly in areas of deprivation.

“Because the council has a statutory duty to provide sufficient childcare for families, that is why they have passed through as much as they can to make sure it's there for parents.