Chancellor Jeremy Hunt has announced plans to cut costs in childcare to boost the workforce, leading to a mixed reaction from parents and childcare providers alike.

Hunt made the announcement earlier this week, stating that reducing the costs of childcare would allow more people to enter the workforce and help to address the ongoing issue of staff shortages in many industries. The plans include measures such as tax breaks for employers who offer on-site childcare and increasing the amount of funding available for affordable childcare options.

While some parents have welcomed the news and believe it will help them to return to work or increase their hours, others have expressed concerns about the quality of care their children will receive under a system that prioritizes affordability over quality. Childcare providers have also expressed concern that lower costs could lead to lower wages for their staff and a decline in standards of care.

“The government needs to find a balance between making childcare accessible and affordable for families while ensuring that the care provided is of a high standard,” said Sarah Higgins, spokesperson for the National Childminding Association. “We need to ensure that our children are getting the best possible care, and that means investing in the workforce and ensuring that providers are able to pay their staff a fair wage.”

Hunt has stated that he is committed to working with both parents and childcare providers to ensure that the plans are implemented effectively and that the quality of care remains a priority. “We know that childcare costs can be a significant barrier for parents looking to return to work or increase their hours,” he said in a statement. “By reducing these costs, we can help to create a more diverse and dynamic workforce that better reflects the needs of our economy.”

The plans have been met with a mixed reaction from experts in the childcare sector, with some calling for greater investment in the workforce and others warning of the potential risks of a system that prioritizes affordability over quality.

The government has yet to confirm when the plans will be implemented or provide further details on the specific measures that will be put in place.