State of the nation: So, Tony, on a scale of one to ten, how does your government rate? Families: 7/10
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Targets
1. To increase nursery places for three-year-olds from 34 per cent to 66 per cent by 2002.
2. Reduce the backlog of council house repairs.
3. Reduce truancy by 2002.
4. Simplify the child maintenance support system so that by 2002 assessment is complete within 7 weeks.
5. New Parenting and Family Institute.
Verdict
Despite pounds 470m to increase good quality affordable child care, the situation for under-threes has not improved, since many nurseries will not take such young children. There are less than 40,000 state nursery places for the 1.8 million under-threes. The Government has a comprehensive family policy but because it crosses many different departments there is a danger that good initiatives will fall through the gaps and not be tackled by any department.
The Government's initiatives to get mothers back to work risks alienating women who choose to stay at home.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments