Boost for childcare and leave for dads

Families will get 20 hours of free childcare a week for children from 18 months to five years old under Liberal Democrat plans to help mums and dads. The plans were backed by members at their recent Spring Conference.

Under the current Labour government, childcare costs can often be so high that many parents are worse off it they go out to work.

"With the recession hitting families in Blackburn and Darwen hard, families often need two earners to keep their heads above water," said Paul English, Prospective Lib Dem Candidate for Blackburn.

"Our plans to give 20 hours of free childcare a week will help families to help themselves and make sure people are better off in work than on benefits."

The Lib Dem plans also include the right for new mums and dads to share 19 months leave to help raise a new baby.