Written question WQ100321
- Asked by
- Huw ThomasLabour
- To be answered by
- Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Minister for Social Justice and Equality
- Tabled
- Due
- Answered
- Time to answer
- 13 days
Question
What assessment has the Welsh Government made of the impact of funding rates under the new childcare offer on providers’ ability to pay all childcare workers at least the real living wage?
Answer
Answered by Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Minister for Social Justice and Equality (Sioned Williams)
We are committed to creating an environment where childcare providers can thrive. Through the current annual rate review process, the Welsh Government seeks the views of childcare settings delivering funded childcare through an Annual Survey. These findings, alongside information gathered through Care Inspectorate Wales’ Self-Assessment of Service Statement (SASS), are used to inform the annual rate review for funded childcare.
Although the delivery model and funding arrangements for the expanded childcare offer have yet to be agreed, our analytical work is considering the impact of different funding rates on provider sustainability. This includes evidence on overall operating costs and workforce costs, rather than a specific assessment against the real Living Wage. The findings will inform decisions on future funding arrangements. Individual childcare providers will remain responsible for setting the pay and conditions of their staff, in line with their legal obligations. The Welsh Government encourages all employers receiving Welsh Government support, including in the childcare sector, to pay at least the Real Living Wage.