---

Childcare Bill

I have one question about affordability in relation to the document Childcare Bill: Duty to Secure Sufficient Childcare. The document states that:"““Local authorities should consider the range of ways that they can work with childcare providers to improve the affordability of childcare””." I am concerned that that might mean that in commissioning services, local authorities might put pressure on providers in terms of the way that moneys are found. We know that that has happened in other services where providers have found themselves subsidising statutory services by fundraising and other means. I hope that that phrase, which could contain that type of implication, does not mean that is what we are looking for.