KINGLASSIE MSP, Jenny Gilruth, has welcomed the First Minister Nicola Sturgeon's announcement that childcare spending will double to £840 million a year – signalling a huge expansion in free early learning and childcare provision across Scotland.

Children throughout the Cowdenbeath-Lochgelly area will benefit, says Ms Gilruth.

The move reaffirms the Scottish Government’s commitment to 'making Scotland the best place in the world to grow up in', and is part of efforts to nearly double free childcare entitlement to 1140 hours from August 2020 – and it is expected to save parents around £350 per child, per month.

The Scottish Government has also taken positive action by providing the innovative baby box to all expectant parents in – as well as providing 100% business rates relief for all nursery premises.

Commenting, Jenny Gilruth MSP for Glenrothes and Mid Fife, said: “This expansion of childcare and early learning will help transform young people’s lives in Mid-Fife and Glenrothes.

“We know that some parents continue to struggle with childcare costs to allow them to work – and this expansion will change that.

“Delivering 30 hours a week of free childcare for every three and four year old in Scotland, as well as eligible two year olds will give children across Mid-Fife and Glenrothes the very best start in life and play a vital role in our efforts to make Scotland the best place in the world to grow up".

She added: “The fact that this announcement comes hot on the heels of the recently launched Scottish baby box and the decision to remove nursery premises from business rates altogether proves the SNP’s commitment to our young people in Mid-Fife and Glenrothes.

“The move will help parents back into work, as well as saving them around £350 per child, per month, on childcare costs. This doubling of our investment, from £420 million to £840 million every year by 2021-22 is exactly the kind of support and progressive action that the SNP Government continues to deliver for Scotland.”