The Children and Young People's Board of the Local Government Association (LGA) said last week that the statutory duty being placed on councils 'needs careful framing' and warned that it would be difficult to control the childcare market where the local authority is not the sole provider.
'There is no point creating a duty without being sure it can be delivered or without providing the resources to deliver it. We are certain the strategy will cost more to implement than the resources made available so far,' the LGA board stated.
The LGA took exception to the section in the strategy which states, 'Providers (including childminders) in local neighbourhoods will work together to ensure the best possible offer is available to parents. Local authorities will ensure this happens.'
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