Plaid Cymru promises free childcare if it wins election

PLAID Cymru has said that if it forms the next government in Wales it wants to roll out free childcare to all children from nine months old.

- RUTH MOSALSKI

Making the announcement at its conference in Swansea yesterday, the party says it wants to provide at least 20 hours a week of universal childcare for 48 weeks a year.

‘The party claims it will save parents who currently receive no childcare assistance around £32,000 over the first four years of a child’s life. It would be the most generous childcare offer in the UK, with the party saying a universal offer would mean better standards for all.

Plaid Cymru says by the end of the rollout period it will spend £800m a year on childcare - £500m more than the current bill.

Concerns have been raised by nursery providers about being able to deliver childcare. They have cited concerns over the payments they receive being unsustainable in the face of higher costs.

Plaid Cymru says it has worked with stakeholders, and ideas include fast-tracking qualifications.

‘The latest poll about how people say they will vote in the Senedd election in May 2026 puts Plaid Cymru top and narrowly ahead of Reform UK. Labour, which has been in power in Wales for the 26 years of devolution, was in third.