Clause 8 - Powers of local authority in relation to the provision of childcare
Childcare Bill
11:00 am
Annette Brooke (Shadow Minister, Education & Skills; Mid Dorset and North Poole, Liberal Democrat)
I find it difficult to disagree with the objectives of the amendments. However, I am a little cautious because, from my experience, I suspect that some of them might be unnecessary. For example, if land is provided, the local authority has to show that as a grant in another part of the accounts. There is also the caveat that the assistance “includes financial assistance”. I do not want anything unnecessary included, but important points were made.
I have particular sympathy with amendments Nos. 95 and 198 because we want openness and transparency. There is clearly friction in some parts of the country between private, voluntary and local authority providers. That friction can only be addressed by openness and transparency. There is a difficult balance to be struck in not creating more and more bureaucracy for the local authority, but the principles of the amendments are right.
Similarly, the spreading of best practice in partnership working can only be right. We must reflect on the fact that we have had a report from private providers and their association suggesting that there is friction. We need to consider the underlying reasons for that and ensure that we are addressing the problems in the Bill while not creating bureaucracy for authorities that are working perfectly well.