Children's groups meet Lord Smith to thrash out plans for better childcare

The Smith Commission is to meet Scotland’s Childcare Alliance today (24 October) to consider how childcare will fare under additional devolved powers.

Lord Smith of Kelvin is currently looking into what areas of enhanced devolution Scotland should get following the referendum last month and has been travelling the country meeting with representatives from the public, private and voluntary sectors.

The alliance, chaired by Children in Scotland chief executive Jackie Brock, will make the case for an improved childcare system and what measures it believes are needed to be taken to implement it.

In calling for an improved childcare system, Brock said: “Childcare provides one example why we believe these powers must be devolved. We cannot secure a stronger economy and social justice without transforming our childcare system.

“If we are to achieve this, we require a genuinely integrated and coherent childcare system with all income tax and benefits decided by one government – not two.”

Brock also called for the creation of a fairer society and, in particular, “removing the inequalities which blight the lives of around 20% of our poorest children and their families.

“This will require full control over welfare and benefits relating to children, families and work.”

The Smith Commission will publish its recommendations at the end of November.