The Scottish Greens have urged the Scottish National Party (SNP) to match their universal free childcare pledge, criticizing the SNP's manifesto promises as "lacking in detail." In a letter to First Minister John Swinney, Scottish Greens co-leader Gillian Mackay highlighted previous effective collaboration between the two parties but expressed disappointment over the SNP's childcare proposals.
Greens' Childcare Offer
The Scottish Greens are proposing 1,140 hours of funded childcare for all families in Scotland, starting from the week after a child turns two. This commitment would be implemented as soon as possible following the election. Additionally, the Greens have pledged to invest in staffing and nursery facilities, aiming to provide 570 hours of fully funded childcare for families with children aged six months to two years by the end of the parliamentary session.
Mackay stated: "We all agree that Scotland’s childcare system is not good enough. It is expensive, inflexible and forces too many parents to make really difficult choices about when to go back to work. This is an area where all parties should be able to work together. That’s why we are urging John Swinney to match our ambition and work with us to deliver the biggest rollout of free childcare for a generation, ensuring that no child is left behind and that no family falls through the cracks of a means-tested system."
SNP's Childcare Plans
In contrast, the SNP's manifesto proposes entitlement to childcare for all children from nine months old to the end of primary school, with a tapered system based on family income. The lowest-income households would receive care for free, while others would pay a reduced rate. Jenny Gilruth, SNP candidate for Mid Fife and Glenrothes, defended the party's record: "The SNP has transformed childcare in Scotland – providing 1,140 hours of free, high-quality early learning and childcare, worth around £6,000 to families every year. But we have heard from families across Scotland who need more support." She added that a re-elected SNP government would extend childcare availability to 52 weeks per year, with families benefiting from between £1,400 and over £11,000 depending on need.
Both parties are vying for support ahead of the May 7 election, with childcare emerging as a key battleground. The Scottish Greens argue that a universal system avoids the pitfalls of means-testing, while the SNP emphasizes targeted support for those most in need.
