Jackie Baillie, MSP for Dumbarton Constituency, has successfully secured an additional one-off payment of £500 for West Dunbartonshire’s childminders.

Jackie Baillie was contacted by local childminders at the start of October who informed her that other local authorities were giving payments to childminders but that West Dunbartonshire Council had no plans to do so.

These payments are to cover the costs that childminders have incurred whilst making the necessary alterations to their homes and gardens to make them a safe place to look after children during the ongoing COVID-19 crisis.

Jackie Baillie contacted West Dunbartonshire Council asking for childminders to receive a similar payment to childminders in other local authorities. A West Dunbartonshire Council representative responded informing Jackie Baillie that the council had no plans to supply additional funding. Jackie Baillie persisted with the council, laying out the reasons that such a payment was vital for local childminders.

West Dunbartonshire Council has now reversed its decision not to supply additional funding, announcing that childminders will receive a one-off payment of £500 to cover costs.

Jackie Baillie MSP said:

“I am pleased that West Dunbartonshire Council has finally recognised the important role that childminders play in our community and I am glad that local childminders finally have the financial support that they need.

“Childminders play a vital role. The work that they do in looking after other peoples’ children allows for workers to return to the workplace – which in turn gives our economy a much needed boost.

“Their work in caring for our children is invaluable and West Dunbartonshire Council must not drag its heels in future when it comes to supporting these workers.”