Childcare providers in Wales warn of closures without more help

Childcare providers say permanent business rate relief is a positive step, but does not take into account the impact the cost of living crisis and increased wage bills are having on the sector.

Lisa Owen, director of Chuckles nursery in Bettws, Newport, said the shortfall was costing her £1,500 a week.

“We haven’t paid business rates since 2018 so I don’t see, when the climate has changed as much as it has, why that’s a help to us right now,” she said.

“We can’t cut corners… electricity, water rates, everything is going up, so we’re up against it the whole time.

“Sixty per cent of my turnover goes on staff wages, they’ve gone up so we’re under a lot of financial pressure and we have to ensure that we are trading within our costs.

“Part of our regulations say that we have to be sustainable for the security of the children because we can’t just shut tomorrow.”