Nursery World - Tougher rules demanded for councils

New duties imposed on local authorities in the Childcare Bill are 'not tough enough', childcare campaigners warned last week. The proposed legislation would require the 150 top-tier local authorities to secure, as far as is 'reasonably practicable', sufficient childcare to meet the needs of working parents and those making the transition to work.

The proposed legislation would require the 150 top-tier local authorities to secure, as far as is 'reasonably practicable', sufficient childcare to meet the needs of working parents and those making the transition to work.

But the Pre-school Learning Alliance voiced concerns that some local authorities will disregard partnership working with private, voluntary and community providers if the guidance is not enforceable by the Government.

Chief executive Steve Alexander said, 'Beverly Hughes is a minister with a track record of listening and acting on it.

'However, in relation to the voluntary sector, the Government has got it badly wrong. Central Government should take responsibility for local authorities, but they seem to be reluctant to be directive.

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