Sinn Féin MEP for Midlands North West, Matt Carty, has this week called for the Government to change the legislation in order for childcare facilities to be exempt from commercial rates. Speaking this week Carthy said: “Commercial rates on community and private childcare facilities increase the costs on parents, many of whom are already struggling. Numerous childcare providers and anxious parents have been in contact with me in relation to their increased concern on this issue and many local authorities have supported Sinn Féin motions calling for the exemption of childcare facilities from commercial rates.
“However, it is disappointing that the Government, by refusing to take action on this matter to date, has effectively ignored the views of local elected representatives, demonstrated by the motions carried in several local authorities.”
