Tower Hamlets parents challenge Government and employers on childcare

Oona King MP invited parents to discuss their opinions about child care provision when they met her last week. Their two main recommendations were for employers to improve services such as work-place nurseries and flexible working, and for the Government to provide better access to help with the cost of childcare.

Oona heard parents� views at a special conference she arranged in conjunction with Toynbee Hall, Jobcentre Plus and Tower Hamlets Council. Everyone got the chance to speak and then vote on what they felt was most important. Now Oona is asking Government Ministers for improved help for working parents.

�Many parents approach me about problems getting suitable and affordable childcare�, explained Oona. �I wanted parents to give me their ideas for improvements. Parents want more financial help from the Government as well as more flexibility from employers. This is particularly important when we have unemployment in Tower Hamlets that is twice the London average. I am taking parents� recommendations to the Government and will be reporting back to all those who took part�.

Oona is currently running a series of events where local people can tell her their views. If you would like to see an event on a particular topic you can write to Oona at the House of Commons.