Sunderland lockdown: Matt Hancock urged to change childcare rules

Sunderland was one of seven local authorities that asked for extra measures to help combat rising infection rates and to avoid a local lockdown being imposed.

The councils had asked the Department of Health Social Care to allow people to enter other households for the purposes of childcare while the main carer was at work.

But that request was rejected by Health Secretary Matt Hancock, with the Government saying only professional, registered childcare can be used – though if a relative is in a “support bubble” with a family, that is permitted.

Now the leaders of Northumberland, Newcastle, North Tyneside, South Tyneside, Gateshead, Sunderland and County Durham councils have written to Mr Hancock urging him to reverse the decision.

Cllr Miller said: "This was a very straight-forward request for the Government and the Secretary of State.

"It is only fair to say that, on behalf of thousands of working parents, the decision that came back was a major disappointment. Childcare can be very expensive and many parents in our region have grandparents or other family members and friends who regularly give their time to help and support.

How has life changed for you during the coronavirus pandemic? Tell us here by joining the Big Conversation.

"I fear many parents might now have to make a wholly unnecessary choice of choosing childcare over their jobs and even their businesses if they are employers.

"This could place many parents with further problems and unneeded economic hardship. We must, and we are, urging Mr Hancock to think again on this.

"There are impacts here on parents, children, schools, employers and businesses that could have been avoided with a better and proper decision. The message is: Please think again and do the right thing."

The letter reads: “Families across our region rely on the support of their relatives, friends and neighbours to care for their children while parents work long hours, typically in low-pay jobs and often in essential roles such as in the NHS. Such services cannot afford further disruption.

"These parents provide an invaluable service to all sectors and as we try to recover from the profound effects of the pandemic while simultaneously taking extraordinary measures to control the virus, this decision will be another devastating blow to families who have already suffered so much."

Jonathan Walker, Policy Director, North East England Chamber of Commerce, said: “Childcare provided by close family and friends is an unseen pillar upon which our economy rests. It enables parents to return to work, provides flexibility for those who work long or irregular hours and is an invaluable resource for sole traders and new entrepreneurs.

"The Government’s announcement has already created a huge amount of uncertainty for employees and employers alike.

“Furthermore, the exclusion of informal childcare is a deeply regressive step. It will negatively affect parents and carers, especially those on lower incomes more profoundly at a time when we should be building an economic recovery that is fair for all. Government must immediately amend these restrictions.”