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Early day motion tabled by primary sponsor Caroline Flint (Labour), on Wednesday, 15 July 1998, in the House of Commons. It is signed by 112 members in total.

CHILDCARE IN THE PALACE OF WESTMINSTER

That this House welcomes the survey conducted by the Administration Committee as an important start to addressing the need for help with childcare for staff working in the Palace of Westminster; welcomes the support for a variety of measures to support family life expressed by respondents; regrets the decision of the Administration Committee to turn down dedicated local nursery and creche facilities for people who work in the Palace of Westminster; notes that this is despite proven demand from staff for such facilities demonstrated in two independent surveys; further notes the contribution such facilities make not only to equal opportunities and family friendly employment practices but also to attracting and retaining experienced and skilled staff to the benefit of both Parliament and the public; recognises the need for further discussion following the report; and calls upon the Administration Committee to take evidence from interested parties on practical solutions to the demand for childcare expressed in the survey.

Amendments

The Early day motion has received 2 amendments.

1556A1A1
at end add 'and considers that the payment of childcare vouchers allows parents to choose high quality childcare closer to home and in a more child-centred milieu than the Palace of Westminster.'.
1556A1
leave out from 'Committee' to end and add 'and notes that of 2344 valid responses, only 290 respondents were interested in using a nursery or creche at the House; further notes that only five per cent. of those respondents were prepared to pay the full cost of a place in the Westminster area: agrees with the Committee that it would be unacceptable to expect the taxpayers of the United Kingdom to subsidise an on-site facility for honourable Members and staff; further notes that, of the options under consideration, an extension to the childcare voucher scheme would be used by the most staff, and that two-thirds of staff based outside Westminster would prefer childcare facilities to be provided close to their home rather than at Westminster: notes that the House of Commons Commission has accepted the Committee's recommendation, and that the value of childcare vouchers available to staff of the House has been raised to the level applicable to staff of the house of Lords; and notes that honourable Members may use their Office Costs Allowance to provide for childcare for their staff.'.

Secondary information

Type
Early day motion
Reference
1556 
1556A1A1 
1556A1 
Session
1997-98
Subjects
Childcare Palace of Westminster Parliament Administration Committee
Link
View this Early day motion on www.parliament.uk