Tom Gordon MP calls for families in South Tyneside to be supported after the closure of 10 nurseries by Reform council.

Tom Gordon, the Liberal Democrat MP for Harrogate and Knaresborough, has called on the Government and South Tyneside Council to support local families after the Reform UK- run council voted to close 10 nurseries.

The South Tyneside Accredited Network for Learning in the Early Years nurseries offered affordable, subsidised childcare for low-income families across the borough, providing 116 jobs in a majority female workforce.

The highly rated nurseries were operated by the council, which voted to close them as of the 23rd of September. 

Alerted local campaigner Mark Robson, Mr Gordon has written to the Government and Reform Councillor, Paul Mannings, to call for assurances that families impacted by these closures will continue to be supported.

Local families are protesting the decision, arguing that there is not enough private childcare available, and warning of the financial pressure parents will face when moving nurseries. 

Children in South Tyneside are 6.6% more likely to live in absolute poverty compared to the rest of the UK, with Mr Gordon arguing that supporting families with vital childcare opportunities should be a priority for this Government.

Tom said:

“Up and down the country, people are realising what Reform-led councils mean for local people.

"South Tyneside is no different. This Reform council ran with a review started by the previous Labour administration, failed to listen to locals and run with the worst option. 

"The reaction from people says it all. Jobs have been cut, children removed from their friends and parents left struggling.”