§ 23. Mrs. FyfeTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what action he is taking to assist lone parents seeking jobs or training to obtain child care. [37637]
§ Mr. WilsonWe are taking action in a number of important ways. Under the New Deal for Lone Parents, the Employment Service offers advice and assistance on childcare to lone parents seeking employment. Assistance with childcare is available on all four options under the New Deal for young people. We are committed to developing a national childcare strategy for Scotland which will increase the range of childcare options available to parents, including lone parents. Almost £30 million extra in public funding and from lottery funds will be available for childcare in Scotland over the next five years. The new childcare tax credit in the Working Families Tax Credit will be a big improvement in childcare help.