The Scottish Government will soon be rolling out the expansion of free nursery provision from the current 600 hours to 1140 hours. However while Fife Council anticipates the cost for Fife will be £37.369 million by 2021-22, the Scottish Government will only be allocating £36.810 million to Fife which Fife Liberal Democrat Education Spokesperson Councillor James Calder is concerned about.

Cllr. Calder has said,

The increase in free nursery provision will of course be welcomed by parents accross the country, but it is very important that it is properly funded. It is therefore very concerning that Fife Council’s allocation for funding is over half a million pounds less than what will be required.

It is well documented that all Council’s in Scotland are struggling financially. The Scottish Government should be properly funding the Early Year’s childcare expansion so that other Council services do not lose out. I therefore call on them to review their funding formula and ensure Fife and other local authorities are fully supported.