North East lockdown: Matt Hancock urged to make childcare u-turn

The borough 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 Malcolm said: “This is a major issue for so many South Tyneside families who rely on others for informal childcare, with friends and relatives providing a real lifeline so that parents can continue to work.

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“Our region requested that the Government allow these informal childcare arrangements to remain in place to support those families, many of which are key workers, and have continued to work extremely hard in such incredibly challenging circumstances.

“This ‘ask’ was rejected by the Department of Health and Social Care. We thank Government for their support, but we need them to reverse this decision urgently.

“We are hugely disappointed by the Government’s rejection to this. Many parents who rely on informal, family childcare arrangements are now left in very difficult and stressful circumstances. With their arrangements now in jeopardy, many are facing tough decisions and much uncertainty around work or care for their children.

“Not all families can afford to pay for childcare which is why so many parents and carers rely on the goodwill of their extended family members. We are now calling on the Government to support our working parents and reconsider its position on childcare as a matter of urgency.

"We would also encourage those affected to support us by lobbying the Government too.”

The letter, signed by the seven council leaders, 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.”