Child care costs up?

Press, 10 February 1982, Page 6

Child care costs up?

PA Dunedin Parents of childretf attending dav-care centres could soon be facing big cost increases. the Minister of Social Welfare (Mr Young) said yesterday. A "committee which- is overhauling regulations for the centres has presented recommendations to the Minister.' •

However Mr Young said vesterdav that no decision had been made on the recommendations. and that interested groups would be asked, to comment before any moves were made.

Any regulation changes which significantly increase costs would affect'the financial viability of child-care centres. “Any cost increases'which could not be absorbed by a centre would either have to be recovered in extra charges from, the parents using the centre or be met by some form of government subsidy." he said. "I am sure I need hot dwell on the difficulties which would arise from a significant increase in charges to parents." On the other hand, said Mr Young, "I fear I would have

an up-hill struggle at this; time to persuade my Cabinet colleagues on any initiatives which would involve a substantial increase in Government expenditure. " Mr Young also revealed that a study of a State Services Commission reporl on early childhood care and education was back with the Cabinet and decisions could be expected in the near future. The report covers administration. funding, and departmental responsibility for all areas of early childhood care arid education. -